Maggi Coming Soon, But Trust Is No Instant Affair

QUEEN’S ROAD: Three testing labs — in Jaipur, Punjab and Hyderabad — have cleared Maggi samples, paving the way for the return of the instant noodles brand. City Express spoke to shopkeepers and customers ahead of the product arriving on shop shelves.

Lead Fear

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned the sale of Maggi across India citing tests that said the instant noodles contained “unsafe and hazardous” amounts of lead. Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning and it can cause behaviorial problem and hamper the development of brain. In adults too, lead damages brain and heart, weakens bones and teeth. Maggi recently cleared tests in three laboratories designated by the Bombay High Court and so some states have allowe its return. Karnataka is among the first to allow its sale again.

(With inputs from Akhila Damodaran and Manjusha Naik)

I stay alone, and Maggi was something I could prepare whenever I felt lazy or did not have the time to cook. After news broke about lead in it, I replaced it with Top Ramen and other instant foods. I will definitely stock up on Maggi again.

— Dipangshu Das, MNC employee

Even after Maggi

becomes available, I don’t think I will be able to bring myself to eat it. It has got a bad image, and that will stick in my mind. Earlier, I used to eat it every other day. I have replaced Maggi with sandwich and cornflakes. It will be difficult for the company to regain its reputation.

— Sneha Nambiar, student

I took my baby steps in cooking with Maggi, and it won’t hurt to eat it sometimes.

— Swati Appuswamy recruiter

I have always loved Maggi. Even when it was banned, I was quite sure it would be back soon. I am not sure if the product is healthy to be consumed, but I don’t really care. I am planning to buy it in huge quantities.

— Reshma Jagadish, entrepreneur

Most of us didn’t know of the harmful content in Maggi. All we needed was instant food that tasted good, and Maggi suited the bill. Our elders keep saying Maggi is bad, but we lead busy lives and they need to understand it from our point of view. Considering the unhygienic food served to us at the paying-guest accommodation, I support Maggi and will accept it happily.

.— Ivana Sarkar, sales executive