Maggi exceeded lead content, violated labelling rules: Govt

FSSAI on May 25 this year advised all the states and UTs to draw samples of the Maggi Noodles and get the same tested from authorised labs

Nestle India was asked to recall Maggi noodles as its samples were found to be containing more than permissible limits of lead and were also violating the labelling requirement, Government today said.

"Samples of Nestle's Maggi noodles were found to be containing more than the permissible limit of 2.5 ppm of lead and also violating the labelling requirements about presence of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).

"Based on the test results reported from different states, confirming presence of lead beyond permissible limit, an order dated June 5, 2015 was issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) directing Nestle India to recall its Maggi Noodles," Health Minister J P Nadda said in a written reply to a query in the Rajya Sabha.

The FSSAI had through its communication dated May 25 this year advised all the states and UTs to draw samples of the Maggi Noodles (Nestle) and get the same tested from authorised labs.

The FSSAI had also advised the Commissioners of Food Safety of all the states and UTs through its communication dated June 8 2015 to draw and test the samples of Noodles and allied products of other brands as well, Nadda said.

The Minister said that the implementation and enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 primarily rests with the state and and UTs.

FSSAI regularly takes up the issue of enforcement of the provisions of the act with the state authorities through written communications and interaction during the meetings of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC).

The CAC also comprises the Commissioners of Food Safety of all states and UTs for effective implementation of the Act and the rules and regulations there under, the Minister said.

He added that surveillance, monitoring, inspection, random sampling and testing of food products are undertaken by the officials of food safety departments of states and UTs to ensure compliance with the standards laid down under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Rules and Regulations.