Will claims hold water? Time’ll tell

Maitri Porecha

In the backdrop of the row over Maggi, dna sought to do a reality check on the claims made by the makers of the product. We asked FDA officials to respond to the claims. Here’s what they had to say:

Claim: Maggi does not contain lead

FDA: Any food product which is derived from a cereal crop, like wheat is likely to contain traces of toxic metal elements like lead as such elements are naturally present in the soil in varying amounts. The lab is yet to verify if there are trace elements of lead and what quantity are they present

Claim: No added MSG

FDA: MSG occurs in two forms. It occurs in ‘bound,’ form and is naturally occurring in vegetables like tomato and mushrooms for instance. It is extracted from naturally occurring substances and processed to make ‘free’ form of MSG – popularly manufactured brand being, ‘Ajinomoto.’ Ajinomoto or MSG is then added to food to enhance its taste. We’re testing samples to check if additional MSG was added. Consumption of MSG containing products or foodstuff in ‘bounded,’ or ‘free,’ form in excess affects digestion, causes acidity, breathlessness, sweating and in the long run affects kidney and the brain.

Claim: It is a source of protein and calcium

FDA: The claims are being tested in the lab. Amounts of protein and calcium will be verified.

Claim: It should be a part of a light meal along with fruits and milk.

FDA: Usually kids eat Maggi in bulk. Only eating Maggi for all meals or daily is harmful.