HUL to withdraw 'Knorr' Chinese instant noodles; product not yet approved by FSSAI

MUMBAI: Hindustan Unilever has decided to stop production and sale of its Chinese range of instant noodles brand Knorr until Food Safety and Standards Authority of India ( FSSAI) approves its recent application.

HUL had submitted an application with FSSAI for product approval for the Knorr Chinese range of instant noodles in February 2015 and are awaiting approval. "The discontinuance of manufacturing and sale of Chinese instant noodles is not on account of any safety or quality concerns. The Chinese instant noodle range uses ingredients which are permitted under the FSS Regulation, 2011/Codex and safety of these ingredients is well established. Details of the same have been shared with FSSAI as part of the product approval application. HUL continues to engage with FSSAI to secure the approval of this range so as to make these products available at the earliest for its consumers," said an HUL statement.

The company maintained that food products are regularly tested at FSSAI approved laboratories in addition to complying with internal quality standards. All these tests show that the Chinese noodles range of products are safe for consumption and continue to meet all regulatory norms, said the company. ET on Tuesday reported that most food companies including HUL were making provision for product recall and insurance sought by the Indian government.