FSSAI briefs Parliamentary panel on Maggi controversy

Consumer Affairs Ministry officials informed the panel about the growing concerns of consumers regarding safety of packaged food products

Food safety regulator FSSAI on Friday briefed a Parliamentary panel about the Maggi controversy and regulation of toxic contents in packaged food items.

Senior officials of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Health Ministry made presentation before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food and Consumer Affairs, headed by Telugu Desam Party MP J C Divakar Reddy.

FSSAI informed about all actions taken by the regulator in last one month against companies selling sub-standard food products, sources said.Consumer Affairs Ministry officials informed the panel about the growing concerns of consumers regarding safety of packaged food products, they added. Last month, FSSAI had banned Nestle’s Maggi, saying it is “unsafe and hazardous” for human consumption after it found excessive levels of lead and taste enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG). Consequently, Nestle had to recall Maggi from markets. With FSSAI cracking the whip further, HUL withdrew its Knorr Chinese noodles and Indo Nissin recalled its Top Ramen noodles, pending approval from the regulator. Meanwhile, the Consumer Affairs Ministry has decided to file a complaint with the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) on the Maggi issue.