All 29 samples of Nestle's Maggi instant noodles have cleared tests conducted by Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru. According to a statement issued by Nestlé on Tuesday, the analysis reports on the product were submitted sometime ago to the Supreme Court and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which ordered the tests.
The tests were ordered in course of a redressal following the recall of the noodles brand for presence of Lead and MSG (monosodium glutamate) or glutamic acid (artificial or natural) in excess of permissible limits.
The company stated, “All 29 samples of Maggi noodles, (the initial 13 and subsequent 16 samples), were collected by the relevant authorities following due process and then directly submitted to CFTRI. The reports state that Lead levels for all samples are within permissible limits.”
It further stated, “The second batch of 16 samples were tested not only for Lead and (monosodium glutamate) MSG, but also for other safety parameters like metal contaminants, crop contaminants, toxic substances, that are applicable to instant noodles as a proprietary food. Every single sample was found compliant.” Initially, 13 samples were procured on NCDRC's order of October 15, 2015, while 16 more samples were procured subsequently after NCDRC recommended detailed tests at CFTRI lab in a revised order on Dec 10, 2015, as Chennai lab was unable to determine results on Lead and glutamic acid.
Nestle pointed out, “CFTRI has clarified that glutamic acid can be due to presence of ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, hydrolysed plant protein, hydrolysed vegetable protein etc. It has further stated that there are no analytical methods to distinguish between naturally present glutamic acid and additive MSG. CFTRI has further clarified that the additive MSG is allowed to be added to selected food commodities (seasoning for noodles is one of them) under Good Manufacturing Practices basis proper label declarations as per Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011.”
The reports have come as a big relief for the noodles brand as it has been struggling since last year to fight charges of high levels of Lead and MSG content in its product. The Supreme Court and NCDRC ordered for the tests and it took around a year for the brand to prove that the product was safe.
This being the scenario, Nestlé has asserted that Maggi is safe for consumption. “The CFTRI findings and the recent order dated March 31, 2016, issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, clarifies that additive MSG can be used under Good Manufacturing Practices in permitted food products and there is no prescribed level. We wish to emphasise that health and safety of our consumers is our highest priority and we never compromise on the safety, compliance or quality of our products or services. We strongly reiterate that Maggi noodles has always been safe for consumption as demonstrated by tests carried out in independent accredited laboratories.”
According to the company, so far over 3,500 tests have been conducted at internal and external accredited labs. These include those conducted by several other national food authorities including USA, the UK, Singapore and Australia. The statement highlighted, “Every single sample of Maggi noodles tested has been found to be safe. We have built our reputation around the world and in India by providing products that meet the highest food quality and safety standards. Nestlé has been in India for over 100 years and Maggi noodles has been a trusted brand in the country for over 30 years. We appreciate the positive consumer response to the return of Maggi noodles to the market and are working diligently to reintroduce more variants very soon.”
