UP FSDA awaiting test reports before banning Maggi

LUCKNOW: Even as some states have banned Maggi noodles, Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) is awaiting report of samples before taking any decision in this regard.

"As of now 240 samples of Maggi have been collected from across the state and sent for tests. So far, we have received three reports in which lead content have been found within limits," FSDA Commissioner P K Singh told PTI today.

Asked about the possibility of banning the product, Singh said, "We are awaiting test reports."

Last week, a case had been lodged against Nestle India by state food regulator FSDA in a Barabanki court in Uttar Pradesh over safety standards of Maggi, while actors Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta have also been dragged into it for promoting the 'two-minute' noodles brand.

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

Uttarakhand and Gujarat have joined the list of states to ban the sale of Maggi with samples of the popular food product failing laboratory tests. Gujarat government banned the sale of Nestle's instant noodle for a month in the state.

Yesterday, it was banned in Delhi for 15 days and Army personnel asked to avoid the popular instant snack while its sale was stopped in Big Bazaar outlets.