Nestle has insisted its Maggi noodles on sale in India are "safe" after local reports suggested food safety authorities in Uttar Pradesh have detected monosodium glutamate and lead in product tests.
"We have in place strict food safety and quality controls at our Maggi factories, including thorough quality checks at each stage of our raw material sourcing and manufacturing process. This includes comprehensive testing to ensure that Maggi noodles comply with all applicable food safety laws, as well as our own high standards of quality and safety before they reach our consumers," a spokesperson said.
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The spokesperson said Nestle is "aware" of the reports that products have tested positive for MSG and lead but downplayed the likelihood that products are contaminated with either substance.
"We do not add MSG to our Maggi noodles sold in India and this is stated on the concerned product. However, we use hydolysed groundnut protein, onion powder and wheat flour to make Maggi noodles sold in India, which all contain glutamate. We believe that the authorities' tests may have detected glutamate, which occurs naturally in many foods.
"We are also aware of the reports of elevated levels of lead in a pack of Maggi noodles analysed by the authorities. We regularly monitor for lead as part of our stringent quality control processes, including testing by accredited laboratories. These tests have consistently shown lead levels in Maggi noodles to be within permissible limits."
Nestle has submitted samples to an independent accredited lab for further testing and will share the results with the authorities, the food group revealed.
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By GlobalDataIn Lucknow, local authorities have asked Nestle to recall one batch of Maggi noodles manufactured in February 2014. The company said because the product has already passed its expiry date stock will already have been collected.
"We are confident that these packs are no longer in the market. The company does not agree with the order and is filing the requisite representations with the authorities. In the meantime it is important to note that there are no other orders to recall Maggi noodle products in the market. People can be confident that Maggi noodle products are safe to eat," the spokesperson insisted.
