Maggi issue: Himachal Pradesh forms team to collect sample

SHIMLA: With several states ordering tests on Maggi samples following reports of high lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG) content in it, Himachal Pradesh government today formed a team to collect the samples of the popular snack and send them to laboratory for tests.

The three member team, headed by a senior medical officer, will collect samples of Maggi from the manufacturing unit of Nestle at Tahliwal in Una district and dealers across the state.

"We have issued necessary directions for taking samples of Maggi in the wake of reports of lead content found in the foodstuff and also formed a three-member team for collecting samples from manufacturing unit and the dealers," Rameshwar Sharma, Director Food Safety and Regulations, said.

The samples would be sent to accredited laboratories at Chandigarh and Mohali for tests, as the food testing laboratories at Kandaghat in Solan district and Kangra didn't have the facility for testing lead content.

However, there was no move to ban sale of Maggi in the state as of now, an official spokesman said.