Maggi Doesn't Meet FSSAI Standards, There Won’t be Compromise on Food Safety: Nadda

Since nine variants of Maggi Noodles were found to be unsafe, the government has asked for it to be withdrawn from the market, informed Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, adding that there will be no compromise on food safety. Nadda said, "Nine variants of Maggi Noodles found unsafe have to be withdrawn from the market. After reports from various state governments, we have concluded that Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) standards haven’t been met by Maggi. No compromise on food safety will be done; all levels of food security will be adhered to."

Earlier on June 5, 2015, the FSSAI had directed Nestle India to withdraw nine variants of Maggi instant noodles found unsafe from the market and to stop the further production and sale of the same. The order to Nestle states that the regulatory body has noted three ’major violations’, namely the presence of lead detected in the product in excess of the maximum permissible levels; misleading labeling information on the package reading ’No added MSG’; and thirdly the release of a non-standardized food product ’Maggi Oats Masala Noodles with Tastemaker’ in the market, without risk assessment and grant of product approval.

Nestle stated that the ’No added MSG’ on its label was on account of lack of clarity in the regulation and that it would rectify the labels if it was interpreted as a case of mislabeling. In response to Nestle’s statements, the FSSAI has further directed the company to rectify the ’No added MSG’ label and to comply with the related labeling regulations in this behalf forthwith. Nestle has also been ordered to withdraw and recall ’Maggi Oats Masala Noodles’ and other food products for which risk assessment has not been undertaken with immediate effect.

The health watchdog has also called upon Nestle to show cause within a period of 15 days as to why the Product Approval granted not be withdrawn and to submit a compliance report within three days and furnish progress reports on the recall process on a daily basis thereafter till the process is completed.

Source-Medindia