Maggi clears lab tests: Nestlé India

Nestlé India, has announced, that its instant noodle brand Maggi has been declared safe by three independent laboratories. The company was mandated by Bombay High Court to test Maggi Noodles samples.

"All the 90 samples, covering 6 variants, tested by these laboratories are clear with lead much below the permissible limits," states a statement from the company.

The note further states that Nestlé India has conducted over 3500 tests representing over 200 million packs in both national as well as international accredited laboratories and all reports are clear. In addition to these, various countries including USA, UK, Singapore, Australia and others have found Maggi manufactured in India safe for consumption.

"Nestlé will continue to collaborate with the FSSAI, the apex food regulator and other stakeholders. In compliance with the orders of the Hon'ble Bombay High Court, we will now commence manufacture and will start selling only after the newly manufactured products are also cleared by the designated three laboratories," the statement read.

Recall that a Times of India report published on May 16 stated that Maggi samples collected in some parts of Uttar Pradesh were found to be containing added monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead in excess of the permissible limit. Post which authorities swung into action and the Lucknow Food Safety and Drug Administration has initiated an inquiry and written to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in New Delhi, seeking to cancel the license for the noodle brand. The regulator has also asked FSSAI to order sampling of the product from across the country to check quality.

Delhi, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Gujarat followed UP's lead. Taking a cue, Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu placed a temporary ban on Maggi noodles. Goa and Maharashtra however, have given a clean chit to the product which is under countrywide scrutiny. Legal notices were also served to Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta for endorsing Maggi as a healthy snack.

Nestlé recalled the product from the markets in June.

The Bombay High Court, in August, lifted the nationwide ban on Nestlé India's instant noodle brand by food safety regulator, FSSAI. The court has asked the company to undergo fresh testing of its nine variants of noodles to three accredited laboratories.