More States Order Tests On Maggi Noodles Amid Safety Concerns
03 June,New Delhi
Problems for Nestle India doesn’t seem to die down as more states have joined in ordering tests on Maggi noodles in the wake of the health scare.
Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Punjab, West Bengal and Telangana are some of the states that have decided to send Nestle’s noodle brand Maggi to the labs to check for levels of mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) and lead.
This follows reports of these contents exceeding their prescribed levels in tests conducted in Uttar Pradesh and some other parts of the country.
In Gujarat, Food and Drug Control Administration has collected 39 samples of Maggi noodles and sent them for laboratory testing. Commissioner of Food and Drug Control Department HG Koshia said, 39 samples of Maggi noodles have been collected from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot for laboratory testing.
He said that further course of action will be decided after the outcome of laboratory testing expected by this weekend.
The test of Maggi noodles will be conducted to find out whether the ingredients in it are the same as the ones disclosed on the packages, and whether it is safe to consume.
According to Gujarat Food and Drug Control department, a fine can be imposed if it is found that ingredients have been disclosed incorrectly or differ from what is mentioned on the package. But a criminal case can be registered if the instant noodle is found to be unsafe for consumption.
The Kerala government Tuesday issued an order to temporarily stop distribution of Maggi noodles from over 1,000 retail outlets in the state.
Meanwhile, Officials of Nestle had a meeting with Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain Wednesday and presented the points of view before him. Nestle said, Health and safety are the priority of the company and media is misleading the public on the issue.
The Delhi government had decided to initiate action against the Nestle India for selling unsafe products and imposed penalty for misbranding of product.
Talking to media persons in New Delhi Wednesday , Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said, action will be taken against Nestle if excessive amount of lead is found in Maggi. When asked whether people should eat Maggi, he said, it is for them to decide.
Tuesday Paswan had said that Centre is working on a new law with a provision of life imprisonment to deal with cases in which consumers of essential commodities and food items are duped.
In Bihar, a district court in Muzaffarpur had yesterday directed police to register case against Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta, who have featured in the Maggi advertisements.The Court also ordered to go for arrest if required