More worries for Nestle as Punjab too orders testing of Maggi noodles samples

CHANDIGARH: Punjab today joined the states which have ordered laboratory testing of Maggi noodles samples following allegations of lapses in food safety standards.

"We have taken almost 60 samples of Maggi noodles collected from various parts of the state for laboratory testing," Punjab Heath and Family Welfare Minister Surjit Kumar Jayani told PTI here.

He said that the samples have been sent for testing in a government laboratory in Amritsar.

"We will soon receive the report of the samples," the minister said.

"If any lapse is found as per food safety standards, then appropriate action will be taken in this regard," said Jayani, who is a BJP MLA.

The minister said a probe is being conducted by various states into the alleged lapses in food safety standards in popular instant food.

Yesterday, Haryana government had ordered random collection of Maggi noodles samples from across the state.

The probe has been expanded across the country following detection of monosodium glutamate and lead in excess of the prescribed limit in the noodles.

However, Nestle India claimed it has got samples tested in an external laboratory as well as in-house and that the product was found "safe to eat".