Government of India justifies Maggi ban. Says, it exceeded lead content and violated labelling rules

Nestle’s Maggi noodles were found to be unsafe for consumption and the company was ordered to recall its noodles, Health Minister JP Nadda said on Tuesday.

Maggi noodles samples were found to be containing more than permissible limits of lead. "Samples of Nestle's Maggi noodles were found to be having more than the permissible limit of 2.5 ppm of lead and also violating the labelling requirements about presence of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG),” PTI reported, citing Nadda’s written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

On June 5, an order was issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) directing Nestle India to recall its Maggi Noodles. The order was based on the test results taken from different states, confirming presence of lead beyond permissible limit, Nadda said.

The FSSAI, on May 25 advised all the states and UTs to draw samples of the Maggi Noodles and get the same tested from authorised labs.

The minister said that the FSSAI had also advised the Commissioners of Food Safety of all the states and UTs on June 8 to draw and test the samples of Noodles and allied products of other brands as well.

He said that the implementation and enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 primarily rests with the state and UTs.

FSSAI regularly takes up the issue of enforcement of the provisions of the act with the state authorities through written communications and interaction during the meetings of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC).

The CAC also comprises the Commissioners of Food Safety of all states and UTs for effective implementation of the Act and the rules and regulations there under, he said.

Nadda added that surveillance, monitoring, inspection, random sampling and testing of food products are undertaken by the officials of food safety departments of states and UTs to ensure compliance with the standards laid down under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Rules and Regulations.

(Image: Reuters)