Nestle again insisted its Maggi noodles are "safe for consumption" as it "engages" with Indian state and federal authorities over concerns the products may contain elevated levels of MSG and lead.

According to Indian reports, a number of Indian states are considering banning the sale of Maggi noodles. The Kerala state government is said to have temporarily stopped distribution of Maggi noodles. Delhi is mulling a ban after 10 of the 13 samples they tested were found to be "unsafe" due to high levels of lead. Meanwhile, a criminal complaint by the state government in Uttar Pradesh has been filed against Nestle.

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Tests for lead and MSG are being conducted by state authorities throughout the country and, according to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, if three tests return positive from the states pan-Indian action is likely.

A spokesperson for Nestle told just-food the company is in contact with the Indian authorities. "We are currently engaging with different authorities in India, both at federal and state levels, to clarify the situation."

The spokesperson added: "Our Maggi noodle products in India and elsewhere are absolutely safe for consumption. We understand how unsettling some of the current confusion is for our consumers and we are working hard to resolve this matter."

Nestle did not comment on the impact the widely reported scare has had on Maggi sales in the market.

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Elsewhere, reports have arisen that a consumer found live larvae in a container of Nestle's Nan Pro 3 infant milk powder. According to the Indian press, the Tamil Nadu Food Safety Wing has confirmed the presence of larvae in the milk powder.

The Nestle spokesperson said the company is "aware" of the media reports. "We have not been contacted by the consumer or the authorities in relation to this matter."

The spokesperson continued: "We have in place strict food quality and safety procedures, including pest control and quality checks at the different stages of our manufacturing and storage process. Moreover, our manufacturing technology excludes the possibility of insects living and surviving in the sealed package in which this product is sold. Shortly before the package is sealed, any remaining oxygen is completely removed as part of the manufacturing process to maintain the product’s freshness and nutritional value.

"The quality and safety of our products are the top priorities for our company. We always take such reports seriously and we are making every effort to obtain the information we need in order to investigate this consumer complaint."