Up to Nestle now to do due diligence, come back to us: Yudhvir Singh Malik

Interview with FSSAI CEO

Yudhvir Singh Malik, chief executive officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, answers Nivedita Mookerji's questions on their action regarding Nestle India's Maggi noodles. Edited excerpts:

What's the rationale behind the nationwide ban on Maggi noodles?

We have not banned it. We issued directions to recall the product from shelves across the country.

Did you get enough test results of Maggi samples from states to base your recall order on?

Late last night, we got reports from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, which had collected a large number of samples. There was overwhelming evidence of excessive lead in those. So, instead of leaving things to states, we decided to issue a directive to them.

Which states gave you a report showing violations in Maggi samples?

Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu showed a considerably high level of lead in large samples. The results shown by Punjab, Kerala and Goa were inadequate and were returned.

What is the difference between a ban and a product recall while calling it unsafe and hazardous?

We have told them (Nestle) to withdraw Maggi packets from the store shelves and stop their production, processing, import, distribution and sale. There's reasonable ground to say the food is unsafe. We have also sent them a showcause notice, asking them to present their case in 15 days. Otherwise, FSSAI could withdraw the product approval for Maggi noodles granted in June 2013.

How long will the product recall be effective around the country?

It is up to Nestle to carry out the due-diligence and come back to us.

West Bengal has given a clean chit after testing samples. Will the product recall order issued by FSSAI be effective there?

The order will be effective through the country.

What, then, is the use of every state carrying out the test?

States where MSG or excessive lead were found in Maggi noodle samples can prosecute the company. In other states, where no violation has been detected, there will be no prosecution.

It is learnt the Prime Minister's Office is taking interest in the Maggi issue. Did that prompt FSSAI to take fast action?

I have no idea (on PMO taking an interest). I have not received any instructions from the government on the issue. The regulator has been allowed to work independently. It is being said that multinational companies are being targeted, while Indian companies are going scot-free.

That's not right. We are issuing orders for investigation into other companies, too. We will be drawing samples from other companies' brands as well. Maggi was an ongoing issue and we had to take notice.

Isn't the international investor sentiment hurt?

I look at all international investors with respect but they should follow standards. If there are instances of violation, action must be taken. They are more than welcome in India but they must give us the taste of butter cocoa in chocolate, like they do abroad, rather than the taste of hydrogenated fat, for instance.

What's the way forward in ensuring overall food safety?

There are an estimated 10,000 food products. We don't have the capacity to test everything. But, we are drawing up a plan where large-consumption food items are being identified periodically for testing.