Nestle in damage control, says no order for summary recall of Maggi noodles

Foods giant Nestle has swung into damage control over the controversy about its flagship brand Maggi instant noodles, amidst regulatory finding that it's brand was unsafe for consumption and local authorities in Lucknow had asked Nestle on 30 April to recall one batch of Maggi noodles, having tested to contain seven times higher levels of lead than permissible and also traces of the controversial ingredient monosodium glutamate (MSG).

''On 30th April 2015 the local authorities in Lucknow asked us to recall one batch of Maggi Noodles (around 200,000 packs), which were manufactured in February 2014 and had already reached the 'Best Before date' in November 2014,'' Nestle said in release, adding that it makes sure to collect stock that is near 'Best Before date' from distributors / retailers. ''So we are confident that these packs are no longer in the market.''

Nestle refuted charges leveled against it. ''The company does not agree with the order and is filing the requisite representations with the authorities,'' the release said, adding that there are no other orders to recall Maggi Noodle products in the market.

''People can be confident that Maggi Noodle products are safe to eat. The quality and safety of our products are the top priorities for our company,'' it added.

Maggi also claimed to have in place strict food safety and quality controls at its factories, including thorough quality checks at each stage of raw material sourcing and manufacturing process.

On the issue of test reports citing high content of monosodium glutamate (MSG) or ajinomoto in a sample of Maggi Noodles, Nestle said the company is continuing its investigation. ''We have submitted product samples to an independent accredited laboratory and will share the results with the authorities.

''We do not add MSG to our MAGGI Noodles sold in India and this is stated on the concerned product. However, we use hydolysed groundnut protein, onion powder and wheat flour to make MAGGI Noodles sold in India, which all contain glutamate. We believe that the authorities' tests may have detected glutamate, which occurs naturally in many foods.

''We are also aware of the reports of elevated levels of lead in a pack of MAGGI Noodles analysed by the authorities. We regularly monitor for lead as part of our stringent quality control processes, including testing by accredited laboratories. These tests have consistently shown lead levels in Maggi Noodles to be within permissible limits. We have submitted product samples to an independent accredited laboratory and will share the results with the authorities,'' Nestle added.