The 2- Minute Maggi
Noodles under FSSAI Scanner
All
time and everyone’s favourite snack, 2-minutes Maggi noodles is under the
regulatory scanner of FSSAI (Food Safety
and Standards Authority of India) after news of alleged high lead content was
probed in the Maggi noodles.
Indian
Daily, Economic Times had reported earlier this month that samples collected
from some parts of Uttar Pradesh were found containing added ‘monosodium
glutamate’ (MSG) and lead in excess of the permissible limit. In this regard
inquiry had been initiated by Lucknow Food Safety and Drug Administration which
post inquiry requested FSSAI to cancel license for Maggi and had also asked
FSSAI to order sampling of the product from across the country to check its
quality.
It
was also reported that in view of the alleged probe, food inspectors had
ordered Nestle India to recall a batch of Maggi noodles from shops in the
northern state of U.P. however Nestle has negated any such claims.
Recent
developments in the matter report that the UP Food Regulator FSDA (Food Safety
and Drug Administration) has lodged a Criminal Complaint against Nestle India
in a Local Court in Barabanki, U.P. It has also been reported that in a
separate case filed by an Advocate in the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate,
Bollywood superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta have
been roped in the matter for allegedly promoting Maggi Noodles in
advertisements.
Nestle
has strongly confronted the aforesaid allegations and maintains the stand that
Maggi noodles “confirms to all applicable food laws and regulations” and stated
that it does not add MSG to Maggi noodles and
glutamate, if present, may come from naturally occurring sources. It further
stated that food regulators in India also do not specify any limit for the
presence of MSG / Glutamate.
Nestle has also urged its retailers to step up promotion of
Maggi noodles as the news of alleged lead content and MSG has reportedly
declined the sales of Maggi noodles across the country.
It won’t be an exaggeration to state that Maggi has become
equivalent to a staple food particularly for students in India who heavily rely
on Maggi owing to the great taste it offers in a matter of just 2-minutes.
However, the implications as stated above would have definitely affected its
sales among masses.
The matter at hand also brings in light the role of FSSAI in
the case and the implementation of food safety laws in India where the nuances
of food adulteration are rampantly aggravating.
In 2013, FSSAI had issued a notification pursuant to which various
packaged foods including Maggi noodles come with the FSSAI logo and license
number which imparts the assurance among customers that the product has
undergone quality checks. However, the said news does raise concern about
quality checks and clarity on the permissible limits of alleged substances in
food.
Sources:
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