Kerala decides to withdraw Maggi, bakeries not to sell any noodle

KOCHI: The Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco) has been asked to suspend the sales of Maggi noodles through its outlets in the state following reports that the Nestle-made snack contained hazardous chemicals several times more than the permissible levels.

The minister for food and civil supplies Anoop Jacob, has issued orders to this effect to the state-owned Supplyco. The suspension of sales would last until a final decision is taken on the matter.

Speaking about the developments to ET, a senior official in the Ministry of Food and Civil Supplies said that the ban is “temporary”. The sales would be allowed to resume only after the dispute is settled with the company.

“We are also trying to get the material tested on our own,” he said. “Supplyco has a laboratory with modern equipments capable of testing for chemical contaminants.

If it is found alright we might lift the ban,” he said. Following the minister’s order, Supplyco would stop selling Maggi through its 1,500 sales outlets.

However, the product would be available throughout the state as private traders have not taken any decision to withdraw the product.