Nestle in fresh trouble as Maggi samples in UP found sub-standard

District food safety authorities in Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh have found fresh samples of Nestle India's Maggi noodles to be sub-standard with more than the permitted levels of ash content.

Food safety officials reportedly said that samples of Nestle India's Maggi noodles collected from Barabanki district in February were tested at a Lucknow-based state-owned lab, which found ash content in Maggi Masala to be 1.85 per cent, against the permissible limit of 1 per cent.

Nestle India however, dismissed the claim on Thursday, saying the food safety authorities applied wrong testing standards on wrong product to yield misleading results.

"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," said the company in a statement.

"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 India stated in a release.

Nestle also said it did not receive any report of sample tests.

Before the instant noodle brand was banned in June last year, Nestle India was selling nine variants of Maggi in 3.5 million retail outlets across India, with around half of them served by 1,400 distributors.

A Nestle India spokesman said Maggi has almost reached 75 to 80 per cent of its pre-ban sales level. When the other variants would come then the company hopes to be able to catch-up the balance part of the distribution.

''We are looking at earlier variants like atta noodles, cup noodles etc. I think these are definitely are on cards,'' he said, adding with these the company would be able to consolidate its position in the coming months.