Amid reports of allegedly high levels of lead in Nestle’s Maggi noodles, the Uttarakhand Food Safety Department has collected samples of the noodle brand from the company’s plant at Pantnagar in the State.
The State officials have also collected samples of Maggi noodles from other cities, including Dehradun.
“A team comprised of State Food Safety Department officials visited Nestle’s plant at Pantnagar and collected eight samples of Maggi noodles, which were sent to the State government laboratories,” District Magistrate of Udham Singh Nagar Pankaj Kumar Pandey told reporters here.
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Maggi noodles came under the scanner last month after the UP Food Safety and Drug Administration asked Nestle India to withdraw a batch of Maggi noodles “which were manufactured in February 2014” after it found the presence of non-essential taste enhancer MSG and high levels of lead in the samples.
Disputing the claim, Nestle India had said: “The company does not agree with the order and is filing the requisite representations with the authorities.”
Meanwhile, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has said the government has asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to look into the matter.
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Besides, a class action suit can be initiated into the matter if a complaint with National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) is filed, the Minister has said.
“It is a serious issue. We have referred the matter to the FSSAI.
Under the current law, the FSSAI has the power to take action, including imposing fine and hefty punishment,” Mr. Paswan said.