Maggi trouble mounts for Nestle; Uttarakhand to test samples

The company is already facing problems in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, where the food regulator FSDA had found higher than permitted levels of MSG and lead

In fresh troubles for Nestle over safety standards of its famous Maggi noodle brand, the Uttrakhand Food Safety Department has collected samples of the 'two-minute' noodles from the company's Pantanagar plant and other places in the state.

The company is already facing problems in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, where the food regulator FSDA (Food Safety and Drug Administration) had found higher than permitted levels of monosodium glutamate and lead in Maggi samples tested by it.

Now, the Uttarakhand state government officials have collected samples of the Maggi noodles from Nestle India's Pantnagar plant and other cities, including Dehradun, and have sent them to the state government laboratories for tests.

"A team comprises of state Food Safety Department officials visited the Nestle's plant at Pantnagar and collected the eight samples of Maggi noodles, which were sent to the state government laboratories," District Magistrate of Udham Singh Nagar Pankaj Kumar Pandey told reporters here.

Maggi noodles came under the scanner last month after the UP Food Safety and Drug Administration asked Nestle India to withdraw a batch of Maggi noodles "which were manufactured in February 2014" after it found presence of non-essential taste enhancer MSG and high levels of lead in the samples.

Disputing the claim, Nestle India had said: "The company does not agree with the order and is filing the requisite representations with the authorities."

Meanwhile, the Union Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry has also asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to look into the matter.

Besides, a class action suit can be initiated into the matter if a complaint with National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) is filed, Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said last week.

"It is a serious issue. We have referred the matter to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Under the current law, FSSAI has the power to take action, including imposing fine and hefty punishment," Paswan said.