Press Note
Pursuant to the adverse results received after
sampling and testing of M/s Nestle India Private Limited’s “Maggi Instant
Noodles with Tastemaker” in U.P., the Food Safety & Standards Authority of
India (FSSAI) had advised Commissioners of Food Safety in various States to
draw samples and get the same tested from authorized laboratories.
Analysis of the reports received, and the record of
the case, revealed the following 3 violations in the product:
(i) Presence of lead in excess
of the permissible level of 2.5 ppm
(ii) Misleading label of “No added MSG- Monosodium Glutamate”
(iii) Release of “Maggi Oats Masala Noodles with
Tastemaker” without risk assessment and grant of product approval.
The Company representatives were given a hearing on
4.6.2015 by the Chairman and CEO of FSSAI to seek their response in the
matter. The Company contended that testing protocols had not been
complied with; that the “No added MSG” label was fixed on account of lack of
clarity and in accordance with industry practices; and that the Oat Noodles had
been launched at a time when the advisory dated 11.5.2013 (on the subject of
product approvals) had been stayed by the Court.
The above response was considered by FSSAI and not
found to be satisfactory. The violations of the law have been held to be
established.
Accordingly, vide Order dated 5.6.2015, FSSAI has
directed the Company as follows:
(i) Withdraw and recall
all the 9 approved variants of Maggi Instant Noodle from the market; and stop
further production, processing, import, distribution and sale thereof.
(ii) Comply with the labeling regulations and
remove the label of “No added MSG”.
(iii) Withdraw and recall the food product
“Maggi Oats Masala Noodles with Tastemaker” and any other product for which
risk assessment has not been undertaken and product approval granted.
(iv) Take appropriate action to re-ascertain the
safety of its products in compliance of the obligation contained in Section 26
of the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006.
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