UP district authority claims fresh Maggi samples 'sub-standard'; Nestle denies allegation

NEW DELHI: State authorities in Uttar Pradesh have claimed that fresh samples of foods giant Nestle's Maggi noodles have been found to be 'sub-standard', a charge strongly denied by Nestle. Samples of Maggi noodles collected from Barabanki district on February 5 'were found sub-standard', a district food safety official has reportedly told media in UP.

The official claimed that tests conducted by a Lucknow-based state-owned lab found ash content in Maggi Masala to be 1.85 per cent, which is higher than the permissible limit of 1 per cent.

Nestle has refuted the claims and said in a statement: "Maggi noodles is 100 per cent safe for consumption. It is apparent from media reports that standards for ' macaroni products' are being applied for 'instant noodles with seasoning' which is erroneous and misleading."

The Nestle spokesperson said industry members, including Nestle, have made a representation to national food regulator Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to remove this confusion which is unwarranted. "We categorically reiterate that testing of instant noodles against norms set for macaroni products will reflect in incorrect results and wrong interpretations. The quality and safety of our products are non-negotiable priorities for us," Nestle said in the statement.