Sep 17, 2015

Top Ramen makers challenge state lab reports on MSG levels

KOLHAPUR: After Maggi, another noodle brand has come under the radar of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in the city. A state government laboratory report stated high percentage of Monosodium glutamate in Top Ramen noodles, and hence a sample has been sent to a UP-based central referral lab for a detailed report. The report was challenged by the makers of the noodles. 
S M Deshmukh, FDA commissioner, Kolhapur, told TOI, "The state government has asked my office to test the samples of Top Ramen noodles, after lead levels in Nestle's Maggi noodles was found to be higher than the permissible limit. The results of the state laboratory were positive. But the company has objected to the results and so, the government sent the same samples to a UP-based national referral laboratory." 
The unit sent the samples on Monday, and the results will be given after a month-long wait, Deshmukh added. 
He said, "Each district FDA office was given one product to analyse and test. Kolhapur was given Top Ramen noodles and we submitted our reports to the state government." 
On June 8, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India had come out with an advisory on product safety testing of all instant noodle products in the country in the wake of reportedly high lead levels in Maggie noodles along with taste enhancer Monosodium glutamate (MSG). 
Top Ramen is a product of Indo Nissin Food Ltd and is currently off the shelves in the retail markets. 
When asked about the possibility of the product being retailed, Deshmukh said, "The company's products are being tested in the lab and the company is willing to wait for some time. It is true that the state lab report is challenged by the company but it does not mean it can immediately start selling it in the retail market. There will be other similar instant food products that are being referred to the UP-based union government's laboratory; hence the reports are lined up. If the UP lab reports are similar to the state lab's, then a detailed letter will be drafted to the state government. The reports will be attached so that the state government can initiate action of banning or suspending the distribution of the instant food product." 
Deshmukh also pointed out that some complaints have been raised against packed food and their sale through retail shops. "As per the requirement, I will refer these samples to the labs for further tests," he said.

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