maggi controversy- PIB

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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food processing

nutrition eggs and MDM

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh, requested the Chief Ministers of Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan to encourage free milk to school children. Union Minister write that Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh States have already implemented the availability of free milk products schemes to raise the nutritional level of school children through encouraging cooperatives milks in the Mid- Day Meal schemes. Minister also write that in the review meeting it was found that the State Milk Federation have surplus stocks of skimmed milk powder and in the interest of farmers and the country's milk producers, cooperatives purchase of milk has continued.

            The text of letter written to States Chief Ministers is as followed:

“You may be aware of School Milk Programme running successfully across the developed world which encourages children to consume dairy products and maintain a balanced diet regime. Milk, Yoghurt, cheese, buttermilk and other milk products that are important from the point of view of good nutrition and balanced diet, are provided to school children under the programme.

2.         The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries in a meeting held on 15^th June 2015, reviewed the situation in respect of procurement and sale of milk in the country. In the meeting, it was observed that there are surplus stock of skimmed milk powder with the State Milk Federation. The higher stocks of milk products with the cooperatives have resulted in reducing the working capital. In the interest of farmers and milk producers’ of the country, the cooperatives have continued procuring milk but they are working under severe constraint of working capital.

3.         Government of Karnataka’s project titled “Ksheerabhagya” scheme during the year 2012-13 aimed at supplying milk to schools thereby ensuring clean and hygienic food to children. The scheme continues to progress and give good results. Even the Government of Madhya Pradesh had recently launched a similar scheme in the State in which milk will be provided to schools and anganwadis.

4.         You may be aware that Milk contributes close to a third of the gross income of rural households and in the case of those without land it contributes, it estimates nearly half of their gross income. Further, 90% of farmers have a herd size of 2 or less and 69% of the dairy farmers are small & marginal. Introducing school milk scheme would help farmers and milk cooperatives owned by farmers a ready and steady market for their produce.

 I would appreciate if your Government launches a similar milk programme in the Mid Day Meal scheme, addressing the issue of child malnutrition in the country by utilizing milk powder from the cooperatives which will help in enhancing nutrition of school children as well as improving their retention.”