FSSAI asks Nestle India to recall all 9 "unsafe" noodle varieties

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed Nestle India Pvt Ltd to withdraw and recall all the 9 approved variants of `Maggi Instant Noodle' from the market, and stop further production, processing, import, distribution and sale thereof.

It has directed the company to comply with the labeling regulations and remove the label of ''No added MSG'' and withdraw and recall the food product ''Maggi Oats Masala Noodles with Tastemaker'' and any other product for which risk assessment has not been undertaken and product approval granted.

The company has also been asked to take appropriate action to re-ascertain the safety of its products in compliance of the obligation contained in section 26 of the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006.

FSSAI said laboratory tests had found overwhelming evidence that Nestle India's instant noodle products are "unsafe and hazardous" for human consumption.

In a press note issued after a meeting with Nestle's global CEO Paul Bulcke, the regulator also said it was evident that Nestle had failed to comply with its obligations under India's food safety laws.

Nestle had earlier on Friday announced the temporary recall of its Maggi noodles across India.

Following adverse results received after sampling and testing of Nestle India's `Maggi Instant Noodles with Tastemaker' in UP, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had advised commissioners of food safety in various states to draw samples and get them tested at authorised laboratories.

FSSAI said on the basis of the reports received, and the record of the case, revealed three violations in the product:

• Presence of lead in excess of the permissible level of 2.5 ppm;
• Misleading label of ''No added MSG''; and
• Release of ''Maggi Oats Masala Noodles with Tastemaker'' without risk assessment and grant of product approval.

FSSAI chairman had given a hearing to representatives of the company on Thursday to seek their response in the matter. 

The company contended:

• Testing protocols had not been complied with;
• That the ''No added MSG'' label was fixed on account of lack of clarity and in accordance with industry practices; and
• That the `Oat Noodles' had been launched at a time when the advisory dated 11 May 2013 (on the subject of product approvals) had been stayed by the court.

FSSAI said it has considered the response of the company, which was found to be unsatisfactory. 

The violations of the law have been held to be established.