Check on Adulterated Food Items

As per reports from the States/UTs, samples of Nestls Maggi noodles have been found to be containing more than the permissible limit of 2.5 ppm of lead. The samples have also been found to be violating the labeling requirements as far as presence of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is concerned. However, no report has been received by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) indicating the presence of detergent in Mother Dairy's milk samples.

The FSSAI has issued an order dated 5th June 2015 directing M/s Nestle India Limited to withdraw and recall their products from the market. Further, a show cause notice has been issued to the company giving 15 days' time as to why product approvals granted in respect of 9 variants of Maggi noodles should not be withdrawn.

The FSSAI has ordered recall of the food products, and/or withdrawn the provisional No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued in respect of various food products manufactured by MNCs who violated the provisions of the FSS Act or Regulations there under. Some of the food products are Maggi Instant Noodles, Monster Energy Drink, Cloud 9 Energy Drink, Tzinga Energy drink and Akoaroma Flavored Water. Besides, safety standards of food items have been notified in respect of around 365 categories of food products. These standards are enforced by the Food Safety Departments of the States/UTs; however, details in this regard are not maintained centrally.

The implementation and enforcement of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 primarily rests with the State/UT Governments. Samples of food items will continue to be drawn by the State Food Safety Officers and sent to the laboratories authorized by the FSSAI for analysis. In cases, where samples are found to be not conforming to the provisions of the Act, the Rules and Regulations made there under, action as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and regulations 2011, will be taken.

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