Indo Nissan, Makers of ‘Top Ramen’ Announce Withdrawal; Adhering FSSAI Notification

FSSAI has been taking a very serious view of safety and regulatory issues after Maggie instant noodles were found to have higher levels of lead, monosodium glutamate and also had labelling non-compliance. Knorr instant noodles, as well as Tata Starbucks were also compelled to withdraw their products and those ingredients that had not been approved by the Apex Regulator. Now Indo Nissan that makes ‘Top Ramen’ instant noodles has announced that they will be withdrawing their instant noodles from the Indian market.

The company announced that ‘product approval for ‘Top Ramen’ instant noodles is still pending with FSSAI. In view of the pending product approval, the FSSAI has asked the company to withdraw its instant noodles till they are given product approval.  FSSAI had taken out an advisory on June 8, 2015 on the testing of all noodle brands for product safety after Maggi noodles and tastemaker were found to contain lead above permissible levels as well as the presence of Monosodium Glutamate. Since Indo Nissan had not yet been given product approval the company had asked FSSAI for clarifications and was told to withdraw the product.

Indo Nissan has extensively tested their products after safety concerns were raised about all noodle brands. In fact FSSAI had ordered the testing of a number of noodle, macaroni and pasta brands including Top Ramen besides Foodles and Wai Wai. Indo Nissan says that they have had their products tested in two FSSAI accredited independent laboratories and the tests reports have been given to the FSSAI. Top Ramen has also been tested by the various State Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Two tests conducted by the FDA reported a slightly higher level of lead in the tastemaker. Indo Nissan is now seeking re-testing after sharing their tests reports with the FDA also.

The FSSAI had also ordered testing of products of a number of companies like Nestle India, ITC, Indo Nissin, GSK Consumer Healthcare, CG Foods India, Ruchi International and AA Nutrition in the wake of the Maggie controversy.