Food safety regulator orders testing of all fast food brands

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the national regulator for food safety and   standards, has directed all state units to test samples of instant food products such as  noodles,  pastas and macaroni (with taste maker) that are non-standardised food products and hence fall under section 22 of the FSS Act,  2006. 

FSSAI has ordered testing of various noodles, pasta and macaroni brands, including Top Ramen, Foodles and Wai Wai, manufactured by seven companies, including Glaxo, ITC, Ruchi Industries, besides Nestle and other brands, to check compliance of norms in the wake of Maggi controversy.

FSSAI has also asked for testing of four variants of Maggi Nutilicious Pazzta with tastemakers.'

"Various test results on Maggi and some other similar products have raised serious health concerns. In view of the same, it would be advisable to draw regulatory samples for similar products for which product approvals have been granted by the FSSAI...These samples should be sent to the authorised labs for testing," FSSAI CEO YS Malik said in letter to Commissioners of Food Safety in all states and union territories.

As per FSSAI order, the companies whose products have been listed for testing are Nestle India, ITC, Indo Nissin Food Ltd, GSK Consumer Helathcare, CG Foods India, Ruchi International and AA Nutrition Ltd.

FSSAI said that as per records it has issued only conditional permissions/ approvals in respect of   the food products    and the manufacturing FBOs.

In view of the various   test  results  on Maggi  and some other similar products that have  raised serious    health    concerns, it would  be advisable to draw regulatory samples for similar products  for which product  approvals  have been  granted by  the FSSAI, these samples should be sent to the authorised labs for  testing as per  the testing parameters, the regulator said.   

''The  safety of all other such  products in  these categories has not been assessed  as per the product  approval procedures. As such, the same  are unauthorised  and illegal per the Product Approval procedures. As such, the same are unauthorised and illegal and cannot be intended for human consumption.     

''Accordingly,  you  are advised to draw samples of the  food products (if  not  already taken) and  take   action as per provisions of FSS Act and  other  applicable  laws  (including   IPC)  qua the  food  items not    found  conforming to the  applicable standards.

''As    regards all  the remaining food products, you are advised to ensure that  such products  are   recalled, removed from  the market and destroyed.

''You  are   requested to complete  this   task  on    priority  and  send   a   report  in  this behalf to the    FSSAI   Dr Sandhya     Kabra (director,   quality)   and     Rakesh  Sharma (director, enforcement)  at the earliest, preferably  by 19 June  2015,'' FSSAI said.

The products to be tested include instant food products manufactured by a host of companies:

Ruchi International: 'Koka Instant Noodles; C G Foods India's ` Wai Wai 123 chicken Noodles, Wai Wai Mama Punte chicken, Bhujiya (Wai Wai Triangle, Bhujiya chichen snacks,  Wai Wai 123 Veg Noodles;

Glaxosmithekline Consumer Healthcare Ltd: Foodles crazy curry, Foodles mast masala, Foodles- spicy treat, Foodles- tomatter flavour, Foodles 4 grain-curry in a hurry, Foodles 4 grain- slice of spice, Foodles 4 grain ala masala, Foodles 4 grain- carrot and spinch noodles, Foodles 4 grain- carrot noodle, and Foodles 4 grain- tomatter flavour  (instant noodles with seasoning powder)

Nestle India Ltd: Maggi Nuti-licious Pazzta with Taste Maker: (4 variants viz, Tomato Twist pazzta, Cheese Macaroni Pazzta, Masala Penne Pazzta, Mushroom Penne Pazzta besides the Instant Noodles with Taste Maker (9 variants) and Maggi Xtra Delicious Chicken Noodles

AA Nutrition Ltd: Yummy chicken (instant) noodles/bits, Yummy veg noodles/ bits;

Indo Nissin Food Ltd: Top Ramen Atta Masala;

ITC Limited: Instant Noodles and magic masala, Instant Noodles and classic masala and Instant Noodles and Chinese masala;

They have also been asked to test possible moulds, living and dead insects, insect fragments and rodent contamination (hair, excreta) and fungus visible to the naked eye, rancidity and musty odour and added colours etc.