Maggi noodles are safe to consume as Maggi has cleared all tests conducted by Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI). The Supreme Court had ordered the testing of samples last December at Mysore, after the Centre and Nestle India had agreed that the referral notified laboratory at Mysore was well equipped to handle the testing. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) had directed that the testing to be carried out in Chennai but was overruled.
The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has submitted its analysis reports to the Supreme Court and a copy to the company. Nestle India say that Maggi Noodles has cleared all the 29 samples that were tested. CFTRI has stated that levels of lead in all samples are within permissible limits. The first batch of 13 samples was tested for lead and MSG. However, the second batch of 16 samples was also tested for metal contaminants, crop contaminants, and toxic substances, etc. that are applicable to instant noodles as a Proprietary Food, besides lead and MSG. All samples were found to be in compliance with regulations.
A recent Order, issued by the FSSAI clarifies that the additive MSG can be used under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in permitted food products of which noodle seasoning is one. However, the food manufacturers have to ensure proper label declarations as defined in 2011, labeling and packing regulation of Food Safety and Standards. The same order states that it is a well-known fact that glutamate is naturally found in a number of common foods like milk, spices, wheat, vegetables etc.
CFTRI has also now clarified that glutamic acid (MSG) can be found in foods due to the presence of ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, hydrolyzed plant protein, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, etc. The laboratory has also stated that there are no analytical methods that can make a distinction between naturally present glutamic acid and artificially made MSG used as an additive in foods.
In June 2015, FSSAI had banned Maggi noodles for being “unsafe and hazardous” for consumption after some laboratories found the levels of lead to be above permissible limits and presence of MSG in the noodles that had a declaration of “no added MSG.” Later the Bombay High Court had lifted the ban imposed by the FSSAI and Maharashtra FDA on the fulfillment of certain conditions by Nestle India.
Previously to tests had been conducted according to the order of the Bombay High Court. More than 3,500 samples had been tested at internal and external accredited labs. All independent accredited laboratories and the national food authorities of USA, UK, Singapore, and Australia had found Maggi noodles manufactured in India to be safe. Now the tests on Maggi noodles carried out at Mysore accredited laboratory has reiterated that Maggi noodles are safe for consumption.
Nestle India say that they have been in India for 100 years and Maggi has been a trusted brand for the past 30 years as the company has been meeting the highest safety and quality standards. The company was quick to appreciate the positive response from its consumers after the re-launch of Maggi noodles in November 2015. The company says they have been working on variants of the noodles which they will introduce into the market soon. As a response to the news Nestle India shares on the stock market rose by 5 percent.
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