Nestle re-launches Maggi noodles, but not in Mumbai

Nestle India today re-launched Maggi noodles in the country, five months after the popular snack was banned over the alleged presence of unsafe levels of lead.

"The rollout has begun today. It has been a challenging period for Nestle, and therefore, there is a feeling of satisfaction at bringing back Maggi noodles to the market," Nestle India said.

The company said that the noodles brand will not be available in eight states that have banned its sale. Maharashtra is one of these states, so the noodles won't be available in Mumbai just yet.

"Most states do not have a ban on sale of Maggi noodles. For states where specific directions are required, we are engaging with them," it said.

Last week, the Indian unit of the Swiss food giant said that newly manufactured samples of the instant noodles were cleared for consumption by all three laboratories mandated by the Bombay High Court, adding that it would start retail sales of the snack soon.

Besides, the Swiss food major has partnered with online marketplace Snapdeal for the rollout.

In June, food safety watchdog FSSAI had banned Maggi noodles saying it was "unsafe and hazardous" for consumption after finding lead levels beyond permissible limits. The company had withdrawn the instant noodle brand from the market.

But the Bombay High Court overturned the ruling two months later, calling it "arbitrary" and ordered fresh tests.

Nestle has always maintained that the noodles was safe to eat, and has continued to sell it in other countries.