After banning 'Maggi', Goa to destroy its stocks

PANAJI: After banning sale of Maggi 'noodles' in the State, the Goa Government has decided to destroy four tonnes of the instant food product which is being recalled from markets.

"We are withdrawing all the (Maggi) stocks from the markets. Nestle (owner of the instant food brand) itself has withdrawn it (from Indian markets)," said Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today.

Maggi stocks weighing four tonnes would be destroyed in the presence of Food and Drugs Administration officials, he said here.

Parsekar yesterday announced a ban on sale of Maggi instant noodles in Goa in view of other states taking a similar measure. The Chief Minister had said it was not proper to take a chance with people's health and hence the decision.

A clutch of States earlier banned Maggi noodles amid mounting food safety concerns and several laboratory tests reporting excessive lead in it.