More Tests on Maggi; Wrong Ads can Penalize Brand Ambassadors: Government

The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken more samples of Maggi noodles across India for testing after certain harmful substances were allegedly found in a batch in quantities higher-than-permissible-limits. The government also warned that violation of standards will make even brand ambassadors liable.

Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said at a press conference, "FSSAI has taken up the case. It will take action. We have already written to the FSSAI."

Clarifying the matter, Consumer Affairs Additional Secretary G. Gurucharan said, "The food safety authority had taken some samples across India for testing. This was after allegations were made over dangerous levels of some substances in the popular snack Maggi noodles in Uttar Pradesh. Some reports are expected today and within two-three days we will get complete reports. All parameters are being tested. If there is any violation, FSSAI will take action."

Asked for his comments over Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit being served notice by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Uttarakhand for endorsing Maggi noodles, Gurucharan said, "The brand ambassadors will also be liable if advertisements were found to be misleading."

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Food Safety Commissioner Vijay Bahadur had said on May 21, "Orders have been issued to Nestle to look into the quality of batches of Maggi noodles after some samples were reportedly found to contain higher-than-permissible levels of lead and monosodium glutamate."

Authorities in Lucknow said, "The samples were taken from a lot in Easy Day departmental store at Barabanki, a district adjoining the state capital, in the second week of May."

However, Nestle said that it was confident over these packs being no longer in circulation in the market. Nestle said, "The company does not agree with the order and is filing the requisite representations with the authorities. The batch in question had already passed the best before date in November last year, and was sure that it had automatically been recalled."

Nestle also sought to dispel rumors that orders had been issued to recall all batches of Maggi noodles.

Source: Medindia