New Delhi: While Nestle is already caught in the web after excess MSG and lead above permissible limits was found in Maggi noodles, other brands manufacturing noodles, pasta, and macaroni could be in trouble too. Food safety regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered testing of branded noodles, pasta and macaroni made by firms, including ITC, GSK Consumer, Ruchi International, Indo Nissin.
"Various test results on Maggi and some other similar products have raised serious health concerns. In view of the same, it would be advisable to draw regulatory samples for similar products for which product approvals have been granted by the FSSAI. These samples should be sent to the authorised labs for testing," FSSAI CEO YS Malik said in letter to Commissioners of Food Safety in all states and UTs.
As per FSSAI order, the companies whose products have been listed for testing are Nestle India, ITC, Indo Nissin Food Ltd, GSK Consumer Helathcare, CG Foods India, Ruchi International and AA Nutrition Ltd. The regulator has ordered the testing of products registered with it.
The products include Wai Wai noodles and bhujiya chicken snacks by CG Foods; Koka instant noodles from Ruchi International, Foodles by GSK Consumer Helathcare and Nestle's Maggi instant noodles with nine variants. Others in the list are Indo Nissin's Top Ramen Aata Masala, ITC's three variants of instant noodles and Yummy chicken and vegetarian noodles of AA Nutrition.
When contacted CG Foods CEO GP Sah said: "Our brands meets all regulatory standards as listed by Food Safety and Standard Authority of India. We are not closed to any tests and will cooperate with authorities if required."
Besides general parameters like test for preservatives and synthetic colours, the food regulator has asked all the state food safety commissioner to test for metal contaminants including lead, copper, arsenic and cadmium. Tests for certain quality parameters and naturally occurring toxic substances would also be conducted by the States/UTs.
FSSAI had ordered Nestle to recall nine variants of Maggi instant noodles from market and it found then 'unsafe and hazardous' for human consumption. It had cited three grounds of major violations by Maggi, first being the presence of lead in excess of permissible limits, misleading labelling on the packets saying 'no added MSG' and releasing a non standardised food product. Nestle has been asked to stop production, import and sale of all the varieties with immediate effect.
Nestle has temporarily withdrawn Maggi from market due to confusion. "Quality of product our foremost priority. Our priority is to clarify on safety of product to authorities and be back on shelves as soon as possible. Have withdrawn Maggi from the market as consumer trust was shaken," Nestle Global CEO Paul Bulcke claimed adding that Maggi noodles are safe for consumption and follow same standards worldwide.
Several states including Delhi, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, J&K, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Telangana have already banned Maggi temporarily.
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