India’s Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has cleared 29 samples of Nestle’s Maggi Noodles saying that they have lead levels within permissible limits.
The institute has submitted its analysis report to the Supreme Court, the highest judicial authority in India.
Nestle said in a statement: "The second batch of 16 samples were tested not only for lead and flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG), but also for other safety parameters like metal contaminants, crop contaminants and toxic substances, that are applicable to instant noodles as a proprietary food.
"Every single sample was found compliant," it added.
CFTRI also justified the presence of glutamic acid can be due to inclusion of ingredients such as tomatoes, cheese, hydrolyzed plant protein, hydrolyzed vegetable protein.
It also stated that there are no analytical procedures to identify the difference between naturally present glutamic acid and additive MSG.
The institute also added that under the Good Manufacturing Practices basis proper label declarations of Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011, additive MSG is permitted to be added to selective foods in which seasonings for noodles figures.
Maggi Noodles was banned by national food regulator Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in June 2015 following allegations that more than permissible lead and traces of MSG were found in some samples of the snack.
However, the company re-launched Maggi in November last year, after it cleared multiple mandatory lab tests.
