Lead level concerns in Maggi Noodles prompt Nestlé India response

By Joseph James Whitworth

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Maggi noodles Monosodium glutamate

Nestlé responds to MSG and lead concerns
Nestlé responds to MSG and lead concerns
Nestlé has hit back at orders from an Indian food safety authority to recall Maggi noodles because of lead levels.

The firm said authorities in Lucknow asked it to recall one batch of Maggi Noodles (around 200,000 packs) manufactured in February 2014, which had already reached the ‘Best Before date’ in November of that year.

The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) in Uttar Pradesh said high lead content was found during routine tests on two dozen packets of instant noodles, according to Reuters.

Elevated lead levels

Nestlé India said it was aware of reports of elevated levels of lead in a pack of Maggi Noodles analysed by authorities.

“We regularly monitor for lead as part of our stringent quality control processes, including testing by accredited laboratories,” ​it said.

“These tests have consistently shown lead levels in Maggi Noodles to be within permissible limits.

“We have submitted product samples to an independent accredited laboratory and will share the results with the authorities.

“The company does not agree with the order and is filing the requisite representations with the authorities.”

Monosodium Glutamate investigation

The firm said it also knew tests by local authorities detected Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in a sample of Maggi Noodles and investigations were continuing.

“We have submitted product samples to an independent accredited laboratory and will share the results with the authorities,” ​it said.

“We do not add MSG to our Maggi Noodles sold in India and this is stated on the concerned product.

“However, we use hydolysed groundnut protein, onion powder and wheat flour to make Maggi Noodles sold in India, which all contain glutamate.

“We believe that the authorities’ tests may have detected glutamate, which occurs naturally in many foods.”

People can be confident that Maggi Noodle products are safe to eat, added Nestle India.

“We have in place strict food safety and quality controls at our MAGGI factories, including thorough quality checks at each stage of our raw material sourcing and manufacturing process.  

“This includes comprehensive testing to ensure that MAGGI Noodles comply with all applicable food safety laws, as well as our own high standards of quality and safety before they reach our consumers.”

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