States begin probe on lead, MSG content before Centre order

Nestle says it does not agree with the UP FDA order and is taking up the matter with authorities

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is likely to order a nation-wide sampling and testing of Nestle's Maggi noodle to investigate whether the product contains more than permissible amount of lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG). This follows findings by the Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) in Uttar Pradesh that Maggi contained lead and MSG beyond the permissible limit.

But even before a pan-India probe is launched, some states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat have already initiated action on the ground.

Maharashtra Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) has collected samples of Maggi noodles from Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune and sent them for testing at its laboratory. FDA told Business Standard late in the evening that it has ''gathered samples from Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune. The test reports are expected within a week and only after that a due action will be taken". Similarly, the Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) has started testing the samples which were collected over the past two days. HG Koshia, commissioner of FDCA said, "Based on media reports, we have collected around 25 samples of different batches from Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar region of the state. We have sent them for testing, and the reports are expected within the 10 to 15 days." In case violations are found, the Gujarat administration will either seize the products from the market or ask the company to recall the products, Koshia said.

As for UP, more samples have been collected for investigation.

Sources at FSSAI pointed out that they were planning to issue an order to all state FDA commissioners for stringent testing of the products.

UP Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner PK Singh told Business Standard thatNestle India had already submitted a compliance report regarding the recall of the "affected" batch from the markets in UP. "We are considering all the legal aspects of the case and our legal team is currently studying the matter," he said, adding there had been cases of prosecuting companies in similar episodes earlier. The batch of noodles which was ''contaminated'' was recalled from the market in UP, officials confirmed.

According to another senior official in Uttar Pradesh FDA, the authority is planning to approach the district-level civil court against Nestle India.

"Our legal team is evaluating two options. We will either approach the chief judicial magistrate or additional district judge against the company for such a serious violation under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006," the official said.

Since Maggi holds more than 60% of India's instant noodles market, the test results in UP have attracted the attention of the state's top administration, it is learnt. Accepting that it had received an 'order to recall' on April 30 from the UP FDA, Nestle India in an email statement said, "The company does not agree with the order and is filing the requisite representations with the authorities. The company is confident that these packs are no longer in the market."

According to an UP FDA official, who did not want to be quoted, testing of Maggi was done as part of its "random testing procedure" last year. And if proved at a court of law, such acts of violation can lead to minimum of three years of imprisonment, and going up to life sentences, for the offenders under the Act. Although Nestle, by default, may have collected unsold stocks from a batch that expired in November 2014, it can land up in trouble if charges of "violations" were proved in court, he said. Section 47-67 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 provides for punitive action against offenders.

In June 2014, UP FDA conducted random sampling test of Maggi noodles in a state-owned lab in Gorakhpur which showed high-level of lead and MSG in Maggi and asked Nestle India - the manufacturer of Maggi - to withdraw all its products belonging to the same batch.

However, the matter came out in the open recently after the UP FDA tested the noodle in its Kolkata laboratory to confirm the previous test results. According to the tests, Maggi noodle contains 17.2 parts per million (ppm) of lead compared to the permissible 2.5 ppm for food products. However, "when Nestle was communicated about the findings of the lab, the company contested the charges that they had violated any food safety norms," the FDA official said. "The results clearly shows that it is 100% unsafe to consume and we will approach the court within 7-10 days," he said.

High lead content is harmful for kidney. Further, the food companies have to declare any MSG content on the packets and caution about its consumption by children below 12 years.

Although Nestle was informed by the state FDA during mid-last year on the findings, the company appealed to the authority to conduct more rounds of tests before asking them to withdraw the products from the market, according to sources.

But Nestle India spokesperson said, "During our own routine tests over the years, it was never found that Maggi contains more than 0.03 ppm of lead". According to the company, there are no stated levels of MSG in India and since it does not add any artificial glutamate in Maggi, it never mentions the chemical on the packets. "We use hydolysed groundnut protein, onion powder and wheat flour to make Maggi Noodles sold in India, which all contain glutamate. We believe that the authorities' tests may have detected glutamate, which occurs naturally in many foods", the company said. Nestle India has also indicated that the company is independently testing the product and will convey the findings to the government.

After UP, tests on Maggi across India

NEW DELHI: The Central food safety regulator has ordered collection and testing of Maggi noodles samples from across the country after initial reports on some samples from Uttar Pradesh pointed to the presence of added monosodium glutamate (MSG) and excess of lead than the permissible limit.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked for sampling of the product from all states.

"We have initiated sampling from all the states. These samples will be sent for testing at our NABL accredited laboratories. We will decide on the further course of action only after examining the test results," Rakesh Chandra Sharma, director-enforcement and surveillance at FSSAI told TOI. He said a final test report is expected by end of this month.

Last week, TOI reported that Maggi noodles had come under regulatory scanner after samples collected in some parts of UP were found containing added MSG and lead in excess. The Lucknow Food Safety and Drug Administration had initiated inquiry and written to the FSSAI in New Delhi seeking to cancel the licence for Maggi.

Nestle, which manufactures Maggi, maintained it does not add MSG to the product and submitted product samples to an independent accredited laboratory. The results will be shared with the authorities, the company said. "The company does not agree with the order and is filing the requisite representations with the authorities," Nestle said in a statement issued on Thursday.

While some reports suggested the product was recalled from across the country, Nestle clarified that in April this year, Lucknow food safety regulatory authorities had asked for recall of only one batch containing 200,000 packs of Maggi.

Regulatory authorities said the issue is sensitive as the product is one of the major and most popular brands of the company. However, it also deals with the health of people and any decision would be crucial. Officials said the Central regulator may also seek details from Nestle once the sampling process is over.

Monosodium glutamate, a kind of amino acid which occurs naturally in many agricultural products, is often also added artificially to packaged food to enhance flavor. Regulators and experts say such additives can be harmful for health, mainly for children. Food safety regulations mandate companies to specify on the packaging if MSG has been added.

Initial sampling of Maggi noodles and test results in UP showed the product containing 17 parts per million lead, whereas the permissible limit is 0.01ppm. Nestle says its records show lead content is negligible and less than 1 % of the fixed limit.

UP FDA tests more samples of Maggi after ordering recall

FMCG major Nestle may face more action by the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration, which is testing more batches of Maggi after ordering recall of a batch of about 2 lakh packs of the instant noodles due to higher than permitted levels of lead and a food additives.

The UP FDA last month asked Nestle India to withdraw a batch of Maggi noodles manufactured in February 2014 after it found high levels of added monosodium glutamate (MSG), a taste enhancer, in the noodles and lead beyond permissible limits.

“As a precautionary measure, the UP FDA has picked up samples of three-four more batches in April this year for testing after the previous report came. The lab test results of those batches are still awaited,” Barbanki District Food Officer V.K. Pandey told PTI.

He said the earlier tests by the UP FDA found that the levels of the chemicals were higher than permitted.

What the company had claimed about the absence of MSG in Maggi has found to be incorrect in the test, Mr. Pandey said.

On lead content, he said: “it has been established in the report that it is beyond the tolerance level of 2.5 parts per million (ppm). It is 17.2 ppm.”

He said it was on the basis of the test report that Maggi was declared “unsafe and injurious to health”.

“We have asked Nestle 10-15 days back to recall all the Maggi Noodles of that particular batch,” UP FDA Additional Commissioner (Admin) Ram Araj Maurya said.

Disputing the UP FDA claim, Nestle India said: “The company does not agree with the order and is filing the requisite representations with the authorities.”

Maggi Noodles packs ordered to be recalled

After samples of “Maggi” noodles manufactured in March 2014 were reportedly found to contain high lead content and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), orders have been issued by the State Food Safety and Drug Administration Department for taking “surveillance” samples of the product of recent make.

The Uttar Pradesh Additional Commissioner (Food Safety), Ram Araj Maurya said the “surveillance” samples were picked up from different places in the State on May 12. “It takes 14 days for finalising the report of the tests conducted on the food samples,” Mr. Maurya told The Hindu. Confirming that the tests conducted on the March 2014 batch samples found them to be unsafe, Mr. Maurya said orders have been issued to recall ‘Maggi’ packs of that date.

The March 2014 samples were picked up from a store (Easy Day) in Barabanki on a complaint which was not specified by the Food Safety Department. Tests conducted by the State Food Laboratory showed lead content beyond the permissible limit. “The noodles contained lead beyond the permissible limit of 0.01ppm. The report was sent to the Central Food Laboratory in Kolkata, which confirmed the findings,” said another official on condition of anonymity.

Subsequently, the licence of the shop operator was suspended on April 24, 2015. The official said licence can be cancelled in the interest of public health. The operator filed an appeal with the Commissioner (Food Safety) and the order was stayed on April 30 on the plea that he is not the manufacturer of the product. The store reopened on May 1.

Batch of Maggi ordered off-shelf, Nestle says safety norms strict

Amid concerns over "dangerous levels" of some substances in the popular snack Maggi noodles, the Uttar Pradesh food safety body on Thursday said its manufacturer Nestle was asked to recall the said batch, while the company assured it followed strict norms.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Food Safety Commissioner Vijay Bahadur said orders had been issued to Nestle to also "look into the quality" of other Maggi batches, following some samples reportedly testing positive for possessing higher-than-permissible levels of lead and monosodium glutamate.

Nestle sought to dispel roumours that orders had been issued to reacall all batches of Maggi. In an e-mail statement to IANS, the companty said the batch in question had already passed the "best before" date in November last year, and was sure that it had automatically been recalled.

As regards the batch in question, the Nestle statement said: "Quality and safety of our products are the top priorities for our company," and added: "We have submitted the product samples to an independent accredited laboratory and will share the results with the authorities."

The company also said: "People can be confident that Maggi noodle products are safe to eat."

The samples, authorities in Lucknow said, were taken from a lot in Easy Day departmental store at Barabanki, a district on the outskirts of the state capital, last week. But Nestle maintained it was confident over these packs being no longer in citculation in the market.

"The company does not agree with the order and is filing the requisite representations with the authorities."

The state's Chief Food Safety Officer Sanjay Pratap Singh added that more samples had been taken for testing and the teams from the department were asked to track if any Maggi packets from that batch were still in circulation in the market.

The central food safety authority also told IANS it has initiated precautionary steps.

"We have asked the UP government for reports regarding the tests (on Maggi noodles). Action will be taken according to what comes out," said Food Safety Authority of India Director Bimal Kumar Dubey. He, however, said no orders to the company had yet been issued from the authority.

On the issue of MSG, Nestle said while it does not add it to Maggi noodles sold in India, and stated that as much on the packaging, the use of hydolysed groundnut protein, onion powder and wheat flour to make the noodles all contain glutamate.

"We believe the authorities' tests may have detected glutamate, which occurs naturally in many foods," Nestle said, alluding that it may have been confused with MSG. On lead, it said, regular monitoring that was a part of stringent quality control consistently indicated adherence to permissible limits.

Reacting to the developments, the programme manager for food safety with the Centre for Science and Environment, Amit Khurana, said such tests should be a matter of routine for food safefy authorities. "We congratulate the Uttar Pradesh team for that."

Similarly, Consumer Unity and Trusts Society, a non-government organisation, said products like Maggi are consumed by a large number of people and any doubt over safety must be taken seriously. "The food regulatory authorities must be strengthened for this," spokesperson Udai Mehta told IANS.

The social media had its own set of remarks, some in a lighter vein, and some more serious since the noodle in question is a popular brand that completed its silver jubilee a few years ago.

"A group of Indian hostelers have threatened to leave India if Maggi is banned," Tweeted Zaid Hamid, speaking for students like him living in campuses, with whom Maggi has been a hit due to its availability, easy cooking-ways and pocket-friendliness.

"The truth is MSG (monosodium glutamate) is widely used in Asian cooking and is present in all processed food like pizza, pasta, etc," posted Somya Gupta, on a handle that's been created for this, #maggiban, and has been trending well.

"Maggi, the tempting two-minute quick fix and instant pleasure for all hunger pangs, is now in hot water," said another tweet by Chandana Roy.

DAMAGE CONTROL AFTER MAGGI RECALL - Nestle Confident that Unsafe Packs are No Longer in Market

New Delhi:

Nestle, the country's largest foods maker, swung into damage control mode on Thursday amid a social media storm over its flagship brand Maggi instant noodles being unsafe for consumption.

On April 30, the authorities in Lucknow asked Nestle to recall one batch of Maggi noodles after tests showed it contained seven times higher levels of lead than permissible and traces of the controversial ingredient monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Nestle said the batch was manufactured in February 2014 and had reached the best-before date in November. One batch contains about 200,000 packs. The company said its practice is to collect stock near the expiry date from distributors and retailers.

“We are confident that these packs are no longer in the market. The company does not agree with the order and is filing the requisite representations with the authorities,“ a Nestle spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

There are no other or ders to recall Maggi noodles in the market, the company said. “We have in place strict food safety and quality controls including thorough quality checks at each stage of our raw material sourcing and manufacturing process. This includes comprehensive testing to ensure that Maggi noodles comply with all appli cable food safety laws,“ the statement added.

The company said it doesn't add MSG to Maggi noodles sold in India and this is stated on the product.“However, we use hydrolysed groundnut protein, onion powder and wheat flour to make Maggi noodles sold in India, which all contain glutamate. We believe that the authorities' tests may have detected glutamate, which occurs naturally in many foods,“ the company said.

On allegations that Maggi noodles contain higher levels of lead, Nestle said it regularly monitors for lead as part of its quality control process.

“We have submitted product samples to an independent accredited laboratory and will share the results with the authorities,“ Nestle said.

The Food on your table may be a Cocktail of Toxins

Shop fined Rs.8,000/- for selling snack mix past expiry date

How food, beverage giants influence WHO rules

A leaked mail from the In ternational Food and Beverages Alliance (IFBA) has revealed the hectic lobbying by this alliance of the world's largest food and beverage companies to influence the framing of rules on the World Health Organization's (WHO) engagement with the private sector. Ever since the WHO started focusing on the global epidemic of diet-related ailments like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, food and beverage companies have been trying to be part of the standard setting and policymaking activities of the WHO.

The mail, which referred to the WHO secretariat's ongoing work on its Framework for Engagement with Non-State Actors (Fensa), also revealed how the IFBA -which includes Coca Cola, Pepsico, Nestle, McDonald's and Unilever -is being backed by several countries of western Europe, Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand and the US, which appear to have pledged to not accept any framework that excludes the food and beverage industry .

Over 45 civil society organizations from across the world signed a public state ment calling upon delegates at the ongoing World Health Assembly (WHA) to defend the integrity, independence and democratic accountability of WHO. The statement said the mail illustrated the lengths corporations would go to, to ensure that they get access to policy-making in the WHO and the degree to which member states could be `persuaded' to support them.

Civil society organizations have been objecting to WHO clubbing private for-profit companies and business associations and alliances of such companies, along with big philanthropies, academic institutions and non-profit public interest groups under the head of non-state actors.

The leaked mail referred to alliance representatives having several “outreach meetings“ on Fensa with the missions of the US, UK, Canada and Latvia (which currently holds the European Union presidency) in Geneva. The WHO secretariat has been working on FENSA in the context of its reform process.

In the mail, IFBA secretary general Rocco Renaldi thanked Food and Consumer Products of Canada, the largest association in Canada of those industries, and the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), a US-based association, for helping to drive home what would be an acceptable outcome for the alliance in the tussle to frame rules for WHO's engagement with the private sector.

கோவை மாவட்டத்தில் காலாவதியான உணவு பொருட்கள் விற்பனை ஆய்வு செய்ய அதிகாரிகள் முடிவு

கோவை, மே.21:

கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் காலா வ தி யான பொருட் களின் விற் பனை குறித்து தொடர் புகார் கள் உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை அதி கா ரி களுக்கு வந்து கொண்டு இருக் கி றது. மாவட்டத் தில் ஏரா ள மான சூப் பர் மார்க் கெட்டு கள், பேக் கரி பொருட் களின் விற் பனை உள் ளிட்டவை அதி க ரித் துள் ளது. இந்த கடை களில் பருப்பு, மாசாலா பொடி கள், ரெடி மேடு உணவு வகை கள், சிப்ஸ், இனிப்பு மற் றும் கார வகை கள் விற் பனை செய் யப் ப டு கி றது.

இந்த பொருட் களில் பூச்சி இருக் கி றது, பொருள் கெட்டு போய் உள் ளது. காலா வ தி யான பொருட் களை கடை களில் விற் பனை செய் கி றார் கள் என் பது போன்ற தொடர் புகார் கள் தற் போது மாவட்ட உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை யி ன ருக்கு வந்து கொண்டு இருக் கி றது.

தின மும் சரா ச ரி யாக பத்து பேர் உணவு பொருட் கள் குறித்த புகாரை தெரி வித்து வரு கின் ற னர். மேலும், பொது மக் கள் தெரி விக் கும் புகார் களுக்கு அதி கா ரி கள் உட னடி நட வ டிக்கை எடுப் பது இல்லை என் பது போன்ற புகார் களும் வந் துள் ளது. இதனை தொடர்ந்து ரெடி மேடு உணவு பொருட் கள், பேக் கரி பொருட் கள், சிப்ஸ் வகை மற் றும் பாஸ்ட் புட் விற் பனை கடை கள், பழக் க டை களில் உள்ள பொருட் களின் தரம் குறித்து ஆய்வு செய்ய உணவு பாது காப்பு அதி கா ரி கள் முடிவு செய் துள் ள னர். பொருட் களின் மாதி ரி களை எடுத்து ஆய்வு செய்ய திட்ட மிட்டுள் ள னர்.இது குறித்து அதி கா ரி கள் கூறு கை யில் “ தற் போது பொது மக் களி டம் இருந்து உணவு பொருட் கள் தொடர் பாக பல் வேறு புகார் கள் வந்து கொண்டு இருக் கி றது.

இதனை தொடர்ந்து பொது மக் கள் கூறும் புகார் களுக்கு உட னடி நட வ டிக்கை எடுக் க வும், ஸ்பாட்டுக்கு சென்று சம் மந் தப் பட்ட புகார் பற்றி விசா ரிக் க வும் முடிவு செய் யப் பட்டுள் ளது. மேலும், கடை களில் விற் கப் ப டும் உணவு பொருட் களின் மாதி ரி களை ஆய்வு செய் ய வும் திட்ட மிட்டுள் ள து” என் ற னர்.

தி.மலையில் கார்பைடு கற்களால் பழுக்க வைத்த மாம்பழங்கள் விற்பனை அமோகம் நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்படுமா?

திரு வண் ணா மலை, மே 21:

திரு வண் ணா ம லை யில் கார் பைடு கற் கள் மூலம் பழுக்க வைத்த மாம் ப ழங் கள் விற் பனை அமோ க மாக நடை பெற்று வரு கி றது.

இதில் அதி கா ரி கள் நட வ டிக்கை எடுக்க வேண் டும் என அனைத்து தரப் பி ன ரும் எதிர் பார்க் கி றார் கள்.

திரு வண் ணா ம லைக்கு நாள் தோ றும் திர ளான பொது மக் கள் இங் குள்ள அண் ணா ம லை யாரை தரி சிக் க வும், வியா பார நிமித் த மா க வும் வந்து செல் கி றார் கள்.

இது தவிர ஒவ்ெ வாரு பவுர் ண மி யன் றும் பல லட் சக் க ணக் கான பக் தர் கள் திரு வண் ணா ம லை யில் கிரி வ லம் செல் கி றார் கள்.

இவ் வ ளவு முக் கி யத் து வம் வாய்ந்த இந் ந க ரில் தற் போது கார் பைடு கற் கள் என் கிற ரசா யன கற் கள் மூலம் பழுக்க வைத்த மாம் ப ழங் கள் விற் பனை செய் யப் ப டு கின் றன.

இந்த மாம் ப ழங் களின் விற் பனை திரு வண் ணா மலை நக ரில் பல் வேறு இடங் களில் அமோ க மாக நடை பெற்று வரு கின் றன.

பொது மக் களும் கார் பைடு கற் கள் மூலம் பழுக்க வைத்த மாம் ப ழங் கள் என தெரி யா மல் அவற்றை வாங் கிச் செல் கி றார் கள்.

இந்த மாம் ப ழங் களை சாப் பிட்டால், வாந்தி, பேதி போன்ற உடல் உபா தை கள் ஏற் பட வாய்ப் புள் ளது.

எனவே சம் பந் தப் பட்ட அதி கா ரி கள் திரு வண் ணா மலை நக ரில் கார் பைடு கற் கள் மூலம் பழுக்க வைத்து விற் பனை செய் யப் ப டும் மாம் ப ழங் களை பறி மு தல் செய் து அழிப்பதுடன் அந்த மாம் ப ழங் கள் விற் பனை செய் வதை தடுக்க உரிய நட வ டிக்கை எடுக்க வேண் டும் என அனைத்து தரப் பி ன ரும் எதிர் பார்க் கி றார் கள்.

புதிய பஸ் நிலைய கடைகளில் கூடுதல் விலைக்கு பொருட்கள் விற்பனை அதிகாரிகள் குழு சோதனை

விழுப் பு ரம், மே 21:

விழுப் பு ரம் புதிய பேருந்து நிலை யத் தில் உள்ள கடை களில் கூடு தல் விலைக்கு டீ, காபி மற் றும் தின் பண்ட பொருட் கள் கூடு தல் விலைக்கு விற் பனை செய் வ தாக எழுந்த புகா ரைத் தொ டர்ந்து அதி கா ரி கள் குழு சோதனை நடத் தி யது.

விழுப் பு ரம் நக ராட்சி புதிய பேருந்து நிலை யத் தில் ஏரா ள மான பய ணி கள் வந்து செல் கின் ற னர். பேருந் தில் வரும் பய ணி களின் அவ ச ரத்தை பயன் ப டுத் திக் கொள் ளும் கடைக் கா ரர் கள் தின் பண் டம், தண் ணீர் பாட்டில், டீ உள் ளிட்ட பொருட் களை கூடு தல் விலைக்கு விற் பனை செய் து வ ரு வ தாக புகார் கள் எழுந் தது. இது தொடர் பாக அதி கா ரி களுக்கு புகார் அனுப் பப் பட்டன.

இத னைத் தொ டர்ந்து மாவட்ட ஆட் சி யர் சம் பத் உத் த ர வின் பே ரில் பயிற்சி கலெக் டர் பிர பு சங் கர், மாவட்ட உணவு பாது காப்பு அலு வ லர் வர லட் சுமி உள் ளிட்ட அதி கா ரி கள் பேருந் து நி லை யத் தில் ஆய்வு மேற் கொண் ட னர்.

அப் போது உணவு விப ரச் சீட்டு இல் லாத பொருட் கள் கண் ட றி யப் பட்டு கீழே கொட்டி அழிக் கப் பட்டது. மேலும் காலா வ தி யான பொருட் களும் பறி மு தல் செய்து அழிக் கப் பட்டது. ரொட்டி, பிஸ்ெ கட் உள் ளிட்ட தின் பண் டங் களில் தயா ரிப்பு தேதி, விலைப் பட்டி யல் உள் ளிட்ட எவ் வித அறி விப் பின்றி பொருட் களை விற் பனை செய் யக் கூ டாது என் றும் கூடு தல் விலைக்கு பொருட் களை விற் பனை செய் தால் கடைக் காரர் கள் மீது சட்டப் படி கடு மை யான நட வ டிக்கை எடுக் கப் ப டும் என் றும் அதி கா ரி கள் எச் ச ரி த்த னர்.

DINAMALAR NEWS

Will Mommy Say, 2 Mins Anymore?

HYDERABAD: For 20-year-old Lahari, Maggi was the first dish she learnt to cook – her saviour food she tells us. “It will be my all-time favourite and I will not be able to survive without it,” she says after she heard this bit of news.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has been asked to carry out a quality check and ban Maggi if need be. This after they found high levels of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and lead, both beyond permissible limits. 

The journey of Maggi in India dates back to the year 1982 when the word ‘instant foods’ had to be looked up in the dictionary. The brand has been tweaking Maggi to suit changing times.

Though it started with Maggi masala, it soon came up with variants in flavour – chicken and tomato. As Indians started to understand the downside of maida, Maggi changed its formula too. Variants in the noodle cakes then included wheat, oats, rice and multi grains. Then came the Maggi Cuppa Mania that can be consumed right off the rack.

Maggi soups and curry masalas too eventually got popular. 

Maggi is the best go-to option for hostellers, school children and even housewives.

“I eat quite it often, at least thrice a week. It is the easiest option because its cheap, easy to cook and all you need is just an electric kettle. It fills your tummy and its satisfies your tastebuds too!,” says Keerthana Karthikeyan a hosteller at the University of Hyderabad. She adds, there is an emotion attached to it that only hostellers can understand. 

Jayasree C, another hosteller agrees. “Earlier, I would eat Maggi once every week. But after shifting to hostel, Maggi packets are all over the place,” she says.

Despite many competitors in the market, there is nothing that can replace Maggi, adds Jayasree. “It can’t be replaced for at least the next 50 years because we are so used to it. I think twice before buying instant noodles if it is not Maggi,” and feels that it is unlikely to be banned or replaced.

Sudha Mai, mother of two teenagers says her children love the noodles and her kitchen is always stocked with it. “I enjoy eating Maggi as much as my children. Most Sunday it is our breakfast,” she admits.

Others like corporate employee Munnagkumar Anne are of the view that though all those habituated to Maggi would not die if its banned, something needs to be done surely and soon as no one knows how safe other brands of instant noodles are. “Steps should be taken to fix this problem. I don’t want to compromise on the taste,” he says.

Food inspectors deny recall of Maggi noodles

“We have not yet ordered any recall. We are waiting to see the report from UP and may order countrywide sampling after that,” a senior official in the FSSAI told TOI. 

NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has denied ordering recall of any batch of Magginoodles. The Central food safety regulator said that it is waiting to examine the initial report from the state enforcement agencies in Uttar Pradesh which found the product containing added monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead in excess of the permissible limit. 

"We have not yet ordered any recall. We are waiting to see the report from UP and may order countrywide sampling after that," a senior official in the FSSAI told TOI. 

When contacted, Nestle spokesperson also confirmed that the company has not received any communication from the regulator seeking countrywide recall. 

This came in the wake of some news reports saying food inspectors have ordered Nestle India to recall a batch of Maggi noodles from shops across the country. 

Last week, TOI had reported that the 2-minute noodles has come under regulatory scanner after samples collected in some parts of Uttar Pradesh were found containing added MSG and lead in excess of the permissible limit. The Lucknow Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) had initiated inquiry and written to the FSSAI in New Delhi seeking to cancel the licence for Maggi. 

UP FSDA assistant commissioner Vijay Bahadur Yadav said the final report of the investigation is yet to come and a recall of the product can be ordered only after confirmatory reports are examined. 

Initial sampling of Maggi noodles and test results in UP showed the product containing 17 parts per million lead, whereas the permissible limit is 0.01ppm. Nestle says its records show lead content is negligible and less than 1 % of the fixed limit. 

Monosodium glutamate, a kind of amino acid which occurs naturally in many agricultural products, is often also added artificially to packaged food to enhance flavour. Regulators and experts say such additives can be harmful for health, mainly for children. Food safety regulations mandate companies to specify on the packaging if MSG has been added. 

Maggi in the soup: Instant noodles removed from sale after UP food inspectors find exorbitantly high levels of lead, MSG

Maggi in the soup!

Potentially harmful ingredients have been found in one of India's most popular instant noodles, Maggi. Some of the product's packets have already been recalled from the market. 

After two dozen noodle samples lifted from Lucknow revealed high levels of toxic lead and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), food inspectors sent these twice to the laboratory and each time found these were damaging to human health.

For its part, Nestle India has clarified that it has "strict safety and quality controls" in place for all raw materials used to make Maggi noodles. "We do not add MSG to Maggi noodles…and glutamate, if present, may come from naturally occurring sources. We are surprised with the content supposedly found in the sample as we monitor the lead content regularly," a spokesperson from Nestle said.

During routine tests on two dozen packets of instant noodles, inspectors from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found high lead content.

They found a lead concentration of 17.2 parts per million (ppm), which is almost seven times the permissible limit (0.01 ppm to 2.5 ppm).

"We had collected samples of Maggi from several places and found exorbitantly high amount of lead in it. It was sent to laboratory twice and found dangerous for human body," Ram Araj Maurya, additional commissioner (administration), food safety and drug administration (Uttar Pradesh), said.

Doctors say that excess lead levels can cause major health hazards, including impairment of neurological development, suppression of the haematological system and kidney failure.

"Excess levels of lead are especially problematic for children. Developmental delay, abdominal pain, nerve damage and other vital organ damage may occur," Dr Anoop Misra, chairperson of Fortis-C-DOC, said.

Similarly, A.K. Malhotra from the Drug Licencing and Controlling Authority told Mail Today that Maggi was dangerous for kidneys.

"We found during two laboratory tests that the presence of lead was alarmingly high in Maggi. It was sent to the laboratory much against the wishes of the manufacturer. It has been discussed by the department extensively that having too much Maggi can be fatal. It was also the department's concern that children eat it most often," Malhotra said. However, officials didn't confirm that any decision to ban it has been reached yet.

Twitter was abuzz with memes showing Gurmeet Ram Rahim as 'MSG', the harmful ingredient found in Maggi noodles.Similarly, the dangers of MSG also can't be ignored. It is a flavour enhancer and traditionally used in Chinese food. A kind of amino acid that occurs naturally in many agricultural products, MSG is often added to packaged food to augment flavour. Food safety regulations mandate companies to specify on the packaging if MSG has been added.

Doctors say that it may cause problems like burning sensations in mouth, head and neck. It may cause weakness in arms or legs, headaches and upset stomach nearly 15 minutes after being consumed. Other problems include flushing headaches, hives or allergictype reactions on the skin.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which reports to Health ministry, has a procedure for product recall to ensure food safety. Any product, if found counterfeit, adulterated, contaminated or with toxic material, is seized at the production stage or recalled from retail market or even the consumer level.

"Product surveillance and product quality checks are regular activities with the government. At times, big brands have to recall their products from the market though the products that have already been sold out are difficult to trace. Whenever and wherever a product is found with any health safety issue, it is recalled," a senior FSSAI official said on the condition of anonymity.

Reacting to the discovery in Lucknow, he added: "It is a state issue and we have not received any information so far in this regard. As soon as we get any information from the state food safety department, we will take appropriate action."

According to reports, an official with Nestle India has reportedly confirmed that the UP state food safety department has ordered a product recall after finding toxic ingredients in the noodle packets. Maggi noodles have been under the government's scanner earlier too with misbranding issues in India, while Nestlé Philippines recalled a number of Maggi beef and chicken noodles for possible salmonella contamination in 2011. 

'மேகி' நூடுல்ஸ்சில் அதிக எம்.எஸ்.ஜி.,?

புதுடில்லி: குழந்தைகள் முதல் பெரியவர்கள் வரை அனைவர் வாயிலும் எச்சிலை ஊற வைக்கும், ருசி மிகுந்த, 'மேகி' நூடுல்ஸ் உணவு பாக்கெட்டுகளில், அனுமதிக்கப்பட்ட அளவை விட, அதிக அளவில், எம்.எஸ்.ஜி., எனப்படும், 'மோனோ சோடியம் குளுடமேட்' எனப்படும், அமினோ ஆசிட் ரசாயனம் சேர்க்கப்பட்டுள்ளதாக கண்டறியப்பட்டுள்ளது.

உத்தர பிரதேசத்தின் சில பகுதிகளில் விற்பனைக்கு விடப்பட்டிருந்த, மேகி பாக்கெட்டுகளை, அம்மாநில உணவு தர பரிசோதனை அதிகாரி, சில நாட்களுக்கு முன் ஆய்வு மேற்கொண்டுள்ளனர். அப்போது, அதில், அனுமதிக்கப்பட்ட, 0.01 பி.பி.எம்., அளவுக்கு மேலே, 17 பி.பி.எம்., அளவில், எம்.எஸ்.ஜி., உள்ளது கண்டறியப்பட்டதால், டில்லியில் உள்ள தர நிர்ணய அமைப்பிற்கு அனுப்பி வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. உணவுக்கு ருசி, மணத்தை அதிகரிக்கும் இந்த ரசாயனப் பொருள், சீன உணவு வகைகளில் அதிக அளவில் கலக்கப்படுகிறது. இந்திய உணவு வகைகளில் சமீப காலமாக இந்த ரசாயனம் சேர்க்கப்படுகிறது. ஆனால், மேகி நூடுல்ஸ் உணவு பண்டத்தை தயாரிக்கும், பன்னாட்டு நிறுவனமான, 'நெஸ்லே', தாங்கள் ஒருபோதும், மேகி நூடுல்ஸ் பண்டத்தில், எம்.எஸ்.ஜி.,யை சேர்ப்பதில்லை என, திட்டவட்டமாக கூறுகிறது.

DINAMALAR NEWS

HC strikes down food safety officer’s order against agro firm, asks for a reason

The Bombay high court recently struck down an order from the Food Safety and Standards Officer that asked ADM Agro Industries Latur and Vizag Pvt Ltd to remove a ‘misleading and deceptive’ label on its packaged refined soyabeen oil pouches.

The division bench of justice Anoop Mohta and justice KR Shriram struck down the order, as there was neither material to support the view of the assistant commissioner (food), nor were reasons given about why the product label was ‘misleading and deceptive’.

The action against the company was taken by the Food Safety and Standards Officer (FSSO) after visiting the company’s depot at Nasik in October 2014. During the inspection, the officer collected samples for testing, and on the same day, issued an order seizing 2,996 one-litre pouches of the refined soyabeen oil.

The company filed an appeal against the FSSO order. Acting on this appeal, the assistant commissioner (food) ordered the release of the seized pouches in March 2015, but on the condition that the company removes the label.

The company then challenged the assistant commissioner’s order in the high court. The FSSO responded to the petition saying the label – with the slogan “health fit toh sab fit” –and the claim of the edible oil being naturally rich in Omega -3, along with a sketch of a heart, was misleading and deceptive. The FSSO said they had no objection if the product is sold without the label.

However, the high court said the assistant commissioner had cited no reasons in his order about why the label was misleading and deceptive.

“A mere heart-like sketch, along with the statement health fit toh sab fit, would not amount to a misleading and deceptive statement,” the court said.

The court said sections 22 and 23 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, say there should be no misleading and/or deceptive statements on product labels, but there has to be some material indicating the statements on this label are such.

While the order passed by the assistant commissioner has been struck down, the court granted the authority the liberty to initiate action again, after passing a reasoned order.

UNHEALTHY - Regulator objects to energy drinks

New Delhi:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered a ban on the sale and manufacture of several energy drinks in the country , including Monster Energy and Monster Energy Absolutely Zero, citing health concerns.

According to the FSSAI order, dated May 8, a copy of which is with TOI, the decision is based on a report by its scientific panel which found that Monster Energy has an irrational combina tion of caffeine and ginseng, which have opposing effect on human body .

Monster Energy Absolutely Zero, the panel claimed, contains vitamins (Vitamins B2, B3, B6 and B12) above the recommended daily allowance.

Despite several attempts, TOI could not speak to the manufacturers or distributors of the energy drink. “This is not the first time the FSSAI has withdrawn No Objection Certificate for an energy drink.The regulatory body had issued similar orders against Tzinga Energy Drink, in clusive of its multiple variants, on April 22,“ said Amit Khurana, programme manager, food safety and toxins at Center for Science and Environment (CSE).

He said CSE also, in one of its studies, has found that as many as 44% of the samples of energy drink contained more than 145 ppm of caffeine--the standard for carbonated beverages.

The health impact of energy drinks was also highlighted by the WHO report in 2014, which had warned that the increased con sumption of the caffeinated beverage may pose a danger to public health.

Dr Anoop Misra, direc tor, Fortic C-Doc Center for Excellence for Diabetes Metabolic Diseases and En docrinology , said energy drinks are a rage among teenagers these days.

“Often, children con sume energy drinks think ing that it boosts their ener gy and they will be able to concentrate more but grad ually they get addicted to it It causes sleep disturbanc es, dizziness and nervous ness,“ he said.

Ban on Maggi? Too little, too late

Besides its quick preparation time, the instant noodles permeated into Indian minds as an object of emotional attachment.

I believe there are two kinds of people - those who like a clear chicken broth, stir-fried vegetables, and steamed fish, and those who like thick sweet corn soup, crispy chilli potatoes, and, well, Maggi. My intention is not to generalise or throw Oriental food into a blanket category, but to think about the number of people who find comfort in food that uses copious amounts of Monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Maggi has been an easy snack to prepare for mothers trying to pacify a crabby child, a go-to dinner for tired students who live on their own, and bright, steaming consolation to slurp out of a bowl on a grey day. The credit for the inception of the brand belongs to Switzerland, but Maggi noodles have been eaten in India since 1982 - seven years before I was even born. Besides its quick preparation time (which is more than two minutes, by the way), Maggi permeated into Indian minds as an object of emotional attachment. The fact that it is unhealthy and of negligible nutritional value seemed to bother no one. Until now.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has received a plea to carry out a quality check, and, if necessary, take it off the market. I wonder if they think Indians will react to this any differently than they did to the beef ban. Ours is an emotional country, and people like to hold on to what they've been used to. The noodles have come to represent a sort of cross between junk food and filling meals. A ban would be like snatching candy from a child.

Have your say. You can comment here.Even if the brand does face a ban, monitoring the amount of MSG that goes into food in general is going to be a mammoth task. It's going to entail walking into every Indianised-Chinese restaurant and have chilli chicken and thick soups taken off the menu. Supermarket shelves will have to be scanned for frozen meals and processed meat. Owners of vans and momo stands will need to think of other ways to earn their livelihood. And heaven help those who will have to face the wrath of Delhi University students for taking Uncle Tom away from North Campus. In the long run, Maggi disappearing is less likely to have a positive impact and more an apocalyptic outcome, at least in India.

If health was a serious issue for the country, all our street food would be sold under the supervision of the FSSAI. There would be no flies in mithai shops and gol guppas would probably be handed out with chopsticks. In all sincerity, "the Maggi ban" just seems like another impulsive roar that will die down soon. Irrespective of the brand's denial of the alleged MSG and lead content, if these crackly yellow packets are to be bidden goodbye to, I'd be left wanting a justification for all the ill health that anyone who has ever eaten its products is cursed with.

பான்மசாலா விற்பனை அதிகரிப்பு ஆய்வு நடத்த அதிகாரிகள் முடிவு

கோவை, மே 19:

கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் பான் ம சாலா, குட்கா பொருட் களின் விற் பனை அதி க ரித் துள் ளது. இது தொடர் பாக ஆய்வு நடத்த உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை அதி கா ரி கள் முடிவு செய் துள் ள னர்.

தமி ழ கத் தில் பான் ம சாலா பொருட் கள் விற் பனை செய்ய தடை விதிக் கப் பட்டுள் ளது. ஆனால், தொடர்ந்து பான் ம சாலா பொருட் களின் விற் பனை நடந்து வரு கி றது. கோவைக்கு வெளி மாநி லங் கள் மற் றும் வெளி மாவட்டங் களில் இருந்து பான் ம சாலா, குட்கா போன்ற புகை யிலை பொருட் கள் விற் ப னைக்கு அதி க ள வில் லாரி கள், ரயில் கள், கார் கள் மூல மாக கொண் டு வ ரப் ப டு கி றது. இவை ஒரு குறிப் பிட்ட குடோ னில் பதுக்கி வைக் கப் பட்டு கடை களுக்கு சப்ளை செய் யப் ப டு கி றது. இத னால், நகர் மற் றும் புற ந கர் பகு தி களில் உள்ள பெட்டி க டை களில் புகை யிலை பொருட் கள் விற் பனை அமோ க மாக நடக் கி றது. இந்த கடை களில் அதி கா ரி கள் ஆய்வு செய் தால் சிறிய அள வி லான பொருட் கள் மட்டுமே கிடக் கி றது.

இத னால், புகை யிலை பொருட் களை பதுக்கி வைக் கப் ப டும் குடோன் கள் குறித்து அதி கா ரி களின் தலை மை யில் ரக சிய விச ராணை நடத் தப் பட்டது. இதில், கோவை யில் தாமஸ் வீதி, உக் க டம் பகு தி களில் புகை யிலை பொருட் கள் டன் கணக் கில் குடோன் களில் பதுக் கி வைக் கப் பட்டு விற் கப் ப டு வது கண் ட றி யப் பட்டுள் ளது. சம் பந் தப் பட்ட கடை களில் தொடர் ஆய்வு நடத்த அதி கா ரி கள் முடிவு செய் துள் ள னர்.

இது குறித்து மாவட்ட உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை நிய மன அலு வ லர் கதி ர வன் கூறு கை யில் “ கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் அதி க ள வில் தடை செய் யப் பட்ட புகை யிலை பொருட் கள் விற் பனை செய் யப் ப டு வது கண் ட றி யப் பட்டுள் ளது. இது தொடர் பாக குடோன் களில் நடத் திய ஆய் வில் கடந்த 6 மாதத் தில் 9 டன் வரை யி லான புகை யிலை பொருட் களை பறி மு தல் செய் துள் ளோம். மேலும், தொடர் ஆய் வினை நடத்தி புகை யிலை பொருட் கள் விற் ப னையை நிறுத்த முடிவு செய் துள் ளோம்” என் றார்.

கார்பைடு கல் மாம்பழம் பொதுமக்கள் கண்டறிய ஆலோசனை

கோவை, மே 19:

கோவை மாவட்டத் தில் கார் பைடு கற் கள் மூலம் பழுக்க வைக் கப் பட்ட மாம் ப ழங் களின் விற் பனை அதி க ரித் துள் ளது. பெரும் பா லான கடை களி லும், தள் ளு வண் டி களி லும் இந்த மாம் ப ழங் கள் விற் பனை செய் யப் ப டு கி றது. இதனை உட் கொண் டால் வயிறு, குடல் பாதிப்பு தொடர் பான பிரச் னை கள் ஏற் ப டும். தற் போது, மாம் ப ழத் திற்கு அதி க ள வி லான வர வேற்பு உள் ள தால் விற் ப னை யா ளர் கள் மாம் ப ழத்தை பழுக்க வைக்க கார் பைடு கற் களை பயன் ப டுத்தி வரு கின் ற னர். இது தொடர் பாக அதி கா ரி கள் தொடர் ஆய்வு நடத்தி வரு கின் ற னர். கடந்த இரண்டு மாதத் தில் 2 டன் பழங் களை அதி கா ரி கள் பறி மு தல் செய் துள் ள னர். இருப் பி னும், தொடர்ந்து மாம் ப ழங் கள் கல் வைத்து பழுக் க வைக் கப் பட்டு வரு கி றது. இதை எளி தாக பொது மக் கள் கண் ட றிய உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை அதி கா ரி கள் ஆலோ சனை அளித் துள் னர்.

அதன் படி, கார் பைடு கல் மூலம் பழுக் க வைக் கப் பட்ட மாம் ப ழம் முழு வ தும் மஞ் சள் நிறத் தில் காணப் ப டும். அதன் நுனி கூட அடர்ந்த மஞ் சள் நிறத் தில் இருக் கும். இதை வெட்டி னால் நடுப் ப கு தி யில் வெள்ளை நிறத் தி லும், சுற் று ப குதி முழு வ தும் மஞ் சள் நிறத் தி லும் இருக் கும். இந்த வகை பழங் களில் மாம் ப ழத் தின் வாசனை என் பதே இருக் காது. மேலும், பழம் கெட்டி தன் மை யாக இருக் கும். இது போன்று இருந் தால் அது நிச் ச ய மாக கார் பைடு கல் மூலம் பழுக்க வைக் கப் பட்ட மாம் ப ழம் தான். இந்த வழி மு றை களை பின் பற்றி மாம் ப ழங் களை வாங்க பொது மக் களுக்கு மாவட்ட உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை நிய மான அதி காரி கதி ர வன் அறி வு றுத் தி யுள் ளார். மேலும், மாம் ப ழம் தவிர ஆரஞ்சு, சப் போட்டா, வாழைப் ப ழம், பப் பாளி போன்ற பழங் களும் கற் கள் மூல மாக பழுக் க வைக் கப் பட்டு விற் பனை செய் யப் பட்டு வரு கி றது. இது தொடர் பாக மாவட்டம் முழு வ தும் தொடர் ஆய் வு களை நடத்த திட்ட மிட்டுள் ளோம் என் றார்.

நாகை மாவட்டத்தில் அயோடின் கலக்காத உப்பு விற்றால் கடும் நடவடிக்கை - தயாரிப்பாளர், விற்பனையாளருக்கு உணவு பாதுகாப்பு அலுவலர் எச்சரிக்கை

நாகை, மே 19:

நாகை மாவட்டத் தில் அேயா டின் கலக் காத உப்பு விற் பனை செய் தால் தயா ரிப் பா ளர், விற் ப னை யா ளர் மீது கடும் நட வ டிக்கை எடுக் கப் ப டுெ மன உணவு பாது காப்பு அலு வ லர் எச் ச ரிக்கை விடுத் துள் ளார்.

அயோ டின் சத்து மனித வாழ்க் கைக்கு மிக வும் அவ சி ய மாக தேவைப் ப டும் ஒரு நுண் ணுட்ட சத்து. இந்த சத்து பற் றாக் கு றை யால் அறி வுத் தி றன் குறை வாடு, மூளை வளர்ச் சி யின்மை, கரு கலை தல், ஊன முற்ற குழந் தை கள் பிறப் பது, முன் கழுத்து கழலை நோய் போன்ற குறை பாடு ஏற் ப டும். இந்த குறை பா டு களை தடுக்க உண வுக் கான உப் பில் கட்டா யம் அயோ டின் சேர்த்து உண்ண வேண் டும். உண வுக் காக விற் பனை செய் யப் ப டும் உப் பில் கட்டா யம் அயோ டின் கலக் கப் பட வேண் டும் என்று உணவு பாது காப்பு சட்டத் தில் தெரி விக் கப் பட்டுள் ளது. வியா பா ரி கள் அனை வ ரும் அயோ டின் கலந்த உப்பை மட்டுமே விற் பனை செய்ய வேண் டும்.

உணவு பாது காப் புத் துறை எடுத்த உப்பு மாதி ரி களில் 60 சத வீ தம் அயோ டின் கலக் காத உப் பு க ளா கும். அயோ டின் கலந்த உப்பு என்று கூறி அயோ டின் கலக் காத உப்பு பாக் கெட்டு களை லாபம் கருதி விற் பது தண் ட னைக் கு ரிய குற் ற மா கும். உணவு ஆய் வின் போது அயோ டின் கலக் காத உப்பு விற் பனை செய் வது நிரூ பிக் கப் பட்டால் உப்பு தயா ரிப் பா ளர் மற் றும் விற் ப னை யா ளர் கள் மீது உணவு பாது காப்பு சட்டப் படி கடும் நட வ டிக்கை எடுக் கப் ப டும். இவ் வாறு நாகை மாவட்ட உணவு பாது காப்பு துறை நிய மன அலு வ லர் செந் தில் கு மார் எச் ச ரிக்கை விடுத் துள் ளார்.

DINAMALAR NEWS

In 2013 Maggi had confirmed that 2-Minutes Noodles had no MSG Contents

The debate over whether Maggi’s 2-Minutes Noodles contains harmful chemicals like MSG and Lead beyond permissible limits, has grown intensive with many people calling a ban on the sale of Maggi 2-Minutes Noodles. While Food and Drug Regulators in Lucknowconfirm to have found traces of MSG and Lead in Maggi’s Instant Noodles, Nestle has refuted these allegations as baseless.

Maggi’s Instant Noodles are widely consumed in India and is dubbed as the Food of Choice of India

While searching for more information on this issue, we discovered that a user named Ayesha Masarrath had raised this issue on Maggi’s Official Facebook Page, 2 years ago.

In this Facebook post dating March 6, 2013 Ayesha had on Meri Maggi, its official verified Facebook Page, whether the instant noodles contained MSG. She was however concerned about MSG being a non-vegetarian substance, rather than its effects on human health.

“When i googled and went through an article on Wikipedia to my surprise this is what i found: Maggi 2-minute noodles in India contains hydrolysed groundnut protein, It contains MSG (Monosodium glutamate) used as a flavor enhancer, which is made using Bactosoytone, itself made from soy protein using a catalyst enzyme porcine (taken from intestine of Pig)”, she wrote on the Facebook Timeline of Maggi.

The question attracted widespread audience and the officials of Maggie chose to respond to it. They confirmed that it does not contain any non-vegetarian substance and it did not contain Monosodium Glucamate (MSG).

In their response, they wrote “Hi Ayesha, we assure you that there is no pig meat extracts in our MAGGI range of products. All variants of MAGGI 2-Minute Noodles (except the chicken variant) are 100% vegetarian. You will observe that the ingredients are listed on the pack. In addition, all vegetarian products from MAGGI brand carry “green dot” symbol. In case the products contain any non-vegetarian item i.e. chicken variant, it would be listed on the pack and the pack would carry brown dot symbol. Our current range of noodles do not contain monosodium glutamate. Further, all the ingredients used in our Maggi noodles are vegetarian and are not haram. You can continue enjoying your favorite MAGGI Noodles with absolute confidence”

In a followup comment, one user named Mohammed Ishaq Mohiuddin asserted that its the flavoring powder that has the Monosodium gluconate not the noodles. He said that he had checked it himself on the ingredients the MSG is present in the masala powder. However, this was left unanswered by Maggi/Nestle officials.

The question remains answered amid contradictory claims made by many people and Maggi/Nestle officials. Only upon extensive investigation and probe, this confusion can be aired away.

Is your bowl of Maggi safe? Maggi says yes!

Is Maggi your comfort food? We have bad news for you. Your favourite two minutes fix for hunger pangs has come under fire after the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) tests proved that Maggi has monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead more than what the permissible limit is.

According to reports, the test results showed Maggi contained 17 parts per million lead (PPM) of MSG, whereas the permissible limit is 0.01 PPM. According to Mayo Clinic, 'Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a kind of flavour enhancer that's usually added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups and meat.' The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as a food ingredient that's 'generally recognized as safe,' but its use remains controversial. MSG if it is beyond a particular limit can lead to headaches, sweating, burning on the face, neck and other areas. It can also cause to nausea and weakness. When MSG is consumed over a longer period of time, it can also damage the nervous system.

The internet is abuzz with comments since Maggi is one of the the go to snack option. However, Maggi India has replied to each and every concerned Maggi user with a standard tweet as follows:

Maggi replies to Twitteratti

Yummy 2-minute maggi is harmful with too much of MSG

MAGGI Controversy : Inspite of their standard slogan ”Taste Bhi Health Bhi”, Maggi Noodles comes into the screen due to High Quantities of MSG content. One of the pioneer’s in making instant noodles a sensation in India, Maggi noodles might be in trouble where samples collected from Uttar Pradesh show high content of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).

MAGGI IS HARMFUL ?

Maggi which is every one’s favourite from childrens to adultsis an international brand of instant soups, stocks, bouillon cubes, ketchups, sauces, seasonings and instant noodles. Owned by Nestlé since 1947, the original company was founded in Switzerland in 1872 by Julius Maggi. Now, Maggi is harmful says the ingredients (MSG).

Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, one of the most abundant naturally-occurring non-essential amino acids. MSG is found in tomatoes, Parmesan, potatoes, mushrooms, and other vegetables and fruits.

According to a report from Times of India, the Maggi samples showed that the MSG content was beyond permissible limit which is 0.01 PPM (parts per million lead) and in reality it is 17 PPM of MSG.

According to Mayo Clinic, “Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a kind of flavour enhancer that’s usually added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups and meat.” MSG has been a popular food additive for years and is usually regarded as safe, when used in limited quantity only. But too much MSG in your food can lead to headache, sweating, burning on the face, neck and other areas. It can also cause to nausea and weakness. When MSG is consumed over a longer period of time, it can also damage the nervous system. According to Dr. Simran Saini, Nutritionist at Fortis Hospital, New Delhi “High amounts of Monosodium glutamate (MSG) can cause a gradual increase in blood pressure. And for people who are already hypertensive, it creates further problems.”

The health experts suggest that such additives can be harmful to children’s health which can cause nausea, headaches, stomach upset, body weakness etc. Nestle, the brand that heads the Maggi production took to the micro-blogging site twitter to deny these reports saying, “We do not add MSG to MAGGI noodles. Some ingredients may contain naturally occurring Glutamate, which can be mistaken for MSG.”

Maggi issues clarification after reports of high levels of MSG and lead

New Delhi: Maggi India on Monday issued a clarification saying it doesn't add monosodium glutamate (MSG) to Maggi noodles.

The reply was in response to several tweets after reports of high level of MSG and lead being found in Maggi samples, came to the fore.

However, there were some who were not really convinced with Maggi’s clarification and needed more proof.

According to a Times of India report, the Lucknow Food Safety and Drug Administration has written to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), urging it cancel the licence for Maggi after monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead were found beyond permissible limit.

The state regulator has also requested the FSSAI to collect samples from all over the country to check the quality of the product.

The tested samples, which were collected from parts of Uttar Pradesh revealed that it contained 17 parts per million of lead, whereas the permissible limit is a mere 0.01 parts per million lead.

“We have tested Maggi samples at Kolkata's referral laboratory. The test results show that there are added monosodium glutamate and excess of lead. We have ordered further sampling," FSDA Assistant Commissioner Vijay Bahadur Yadav told TOI.

However, Nestle, which manufactures Maggi, denied the claims saying it does not add monosodium glutamate to the product and added it is “surprised with the lead content supposedly found in the sample”. 

Monosodium glumate or MSG is commonly used to enhance flavour of packed and processed food. Although a small quantity of MSG is believed to be safe, its long-time consumption can result in harmful side-effects, mainly for children. It is mandatory for companies to specify on the packaging if MSG has been added.

Health condition can be ground for seeking transfer: HC

When an employee pleads that he had underwent two heart surgeries and seeks a transfer, it could be considered as a ground for transfer, the Madras High Court has observed, adding that the genuineness of the request and the availability of vacancies and all other relevant issues have to be gone into by the authorities.

Disposing off a petition by Food Safety Officer B. Edward Vedanayagam, Justice D. Hariparanthaman said: “When an employee pleads that he underwent two heart surgeries, the same could be considered as a ground for transfer. However, the genuineness of the request, the availability of vacancies in the said place and all other relevant issues have to be gone into..”

The judge set aside a G.O. rejecting the request for transfer and further remitted the matter relating to the Health Department officials, who shall take into account the materials produced and pass orders on merits and in accordance with law within six weeks.

The petitioner, working as Food Safety Officer in Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drugs Administration (TNFSDA) in Tiruvallur, sought for a transfer to Chennai citing health reasons.

After his request was rejected by the Health Department contending that seniority of officials was yet to be fixed, he moved the High Court in November last seeking direction to the officials to consider his representation.

The department had considered his representation but rejected his request and hence the petitioner preferred this petition.

During the hearing of the case, the judge said that the High Court’s earlier order to fix seniority has not been complied with.

“The framing of rules and fixing of seniority has nothing to do with the request for transfer. It was absolutely the discretion of the Commissioner, TNFSDA, to accept or reject the request of the petitioner for transfer based on various exigencies and on administrative reasons.”

On hearing both sides, the judge said officials cannot reject the transfer on the ground that seniority was yet to be fixed.

The petitioner’s request has to be considered based on the materials provided by him and the authorities were at liberty to pass orders on merits and in accordance with law.

Consider transfer of officer with heart ailment: Madras HC

CHENNAI: In a rare gesture, the Madras high court has asked a government department to 'positively consider' the request of an officer for transfer to Chennai, on the ground that he had undergone two major heart surgeries. 

Justice D Hariparanthaman, coming to the aid of food safety officer B Edward Vedanayagam, recently, said: "When an employee pleads that he underwent two heart surgeries, it could be considered as a ground for transfer. However, the genuineness of the request, availability of vacancies and all other relevant issues have to be gone into by the department." 

Vedanayagam who joined government service as leprosy inspector in 1988 became food safety officer in Tiruvallur in September 2011. In April 2014, he cited two heart surgeries he underwent, and sought transfer to a post in Chennai. He had enclosed medical records running to 30 pages as proof of his health condition. The request was rejected on the ground that without fixing seniority, his transfer cannot be considered. In this regard, they cited an earlier order of the high court asking the department to fix seniority in six months. 

Justice Hariparanthaman, rejecting their explanation, the high court had given the department six months to work out seniority list, and the period had already lapsed in February 2015 itself. In any case, framing or rules and fixing of seniority had nothing to do with the request for transfer, he said. 

Holding that there was no justification for denial of transfer to Vedanayagam, the judge directed the department to positively consider the request for transfer to Chennai based on materials provided by him. 

While orders could be passed on merits, request for transfer could not be declined on the ground that seniority is yet to be fixed, he said.

FSSAI tells food industry to get more responsible

Industry members say government food safety body ignoring ground reality

In India, there are no strict regulations for labelling food products, which puts consumers’ health at stake 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has given food operators who have been pointing fingers at the food safety body to pay more attention to their mandate—food safety. In an open letter addressed to all stakeholders, FSSAI has highlighted the importance of self regulation and the role of industry. It also points to how industry believes in “Make in India” initiative without paying heed to its concomitant policy of “zero defect and zero effect”. The letter, issued recently, clearly sends a message that industry needs to take responsibility at its end and has emphasised on the need for joint effort by saying, “please help us to help you”.

Of late, food business operators (FBO) have raised concerns about FSSAI’s slow and inefficient functioning in approving products. In response, the authority has shown keen interest through this letter in addressing such concerns and guiding FBOs without compromising on safety.

FSSAI’s letter says references are made to the US Food and Drug Administration or the EU regulatory system on food safety regulations but that this is done without acknowledging the fact that people in such economies are much more aware than consumers in India. Such consumer awareness compels self-regulation in these countries. But it has to be noted that in India there are no strict regulations for labelling because of which consumer awareness is at stake. The advertising industry is running unregulated as junk food items sold by big brands are still getting endorsed by celebrities. Children are the most vulnerable to junk food advertisements.

Negligence on part of FBOs is said to be a hurdle during product approval procedure. The biggest example is the recent withdrawal of no objection certificate (NOC) for energy drinks such as Monster Energy, Monster Absolutely Zero, Tzinga and Cloud 9 and other products like Akoaroma-M and Akoarama flavored water. The rejection of these products was based on several grounds, like absence of relevant documents needed for the approval, lack of timely communication and the irrational combination of ingredients, such as caffeine and ginseng. Some FBOs have been observed to make “silly mistakes” while making product approval applications. Such incomplete or erroneous applications are said to be responsible for delay in product approvals. FSSAI, therefore, emphasises that if applications are filled up with due diligence, it would take much less time to get them approved. To make this a reality and to assist the FBOs in a better way, FSSAI’s letter shares explanatory notes and details on prescribed application formats, including guidelines. The explanatory notes give details of application procedure. They also contain important sections from Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. The document envisions bridging the existing gaps and clearly describes FSSAI’s action plan to address the concerns of the industry. Responding to the industry’s complaint of lack of response from FSSAI to their emails, the letter mentions the online food product approval system which is unique to India and the online facility to track the status of application.

Industry begs to differ

Though the letter from FSSAI offering guidance and support on product approvals to FBOs sounds promising, people in the food industry have a different perspective. D V Malhan, executive secretary of All India Food Processor Association in New Delhi, says the letter may prove beneficial to stakeholders but adds that merely talking about these issues is an academic exercise. He says authorities don’t understand the ground reality and problems that FBOs face during product approval. Anil Dhanuka, president of All India Food Processor Association, based in New Delhi, says FSSAI’s product approvals are akin to interfering with how one manages the kitchen, by scrutinising each and every ingredient used in the food.

The food safety unit of Delhi-based NGO, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), has, meanwhile, called for strict implementation of food safety provisions to protect consumers. “Awareness in Indian consumers about packaged food and how it is produced and promoted is low. In such a scenario, the role of state and industry has greater significance,” says Amit Khurana, programme manager, Food Safety and Toxins team of CSE.

“If the food authority is putting focus on food safety, the industry must support it. It should help food authority to approve products in a time-bound manner. In the long-run, it will benefit the food industry and the consumer. Product approvals are not interference, but necessary to ensure food safety for consumers.” adds Khurana.

FDA moves to check sale of banned energy drinks in Indore

INDORE: Soon after Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ordered an immediate ban on manufacturing, sale, distribution and import of four energy drinks, food safety officers have swung into action to check sale of energy drinks at retail stores across the city. 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will also collect samples of energy drinks and send them for lab investigations. Food safety officer, Manish Swami said, "In recent laboratory test, four products that belong to the category of energy drinks were found to have contents not included in approved list of Food Safety and Standards Regulations. The titles of the products were also found to be misleading." 

Swami added, "We will withdraw the products from the markets. Dealers and distributors will be directed to stop distribution of energy drinks." FSSAI recently withdrew No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Monster Energy and Monster Energy Zero products, Tzinga Energy Drink and Cloud 9 energy drinks. 

Scientific panel of FSSAI observed irrational combination of ginseng and caffeine in energy drinks has an 'opposing effect' on the human body. Energy drinks project the rationale for combination of ginseng primarily as flavouring agent, but it is not listed in the approved list of Food Safety and Standards Regulations. Content of the drinks were also not as per the permission granted for manufacturing. 

Of late, energy drinks have been in controversy due to high caffeine content, a strong psycho-stimulant which is marketed as an instant source of energy. Cardiologist, Dr Alkesh Jain said, "High caffeine content can have life-threatening impact on blood pressure, heart and brain functioning." 

A study conducted on energy drinks in 2011 had found that 44% samples of drinks such as Red Bull, Coca-Cola's Burn, Cloud 9, Hector Beverages' Tzinga, Monster Energy Ltd's Monster Ripper and three of JMJ group's XXX energy drink brands—Rejuve, Nicofix and Minus had breached caffeine limits. As of now, India has not declared any standards limiting caffeine content in energy drinks. Food safety researchers have been waiting for concrete regulations to be implemented.

Expired, flood-contaminated food items seized in Srinagar

The Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police today seized 8.6 tonnes of expired food items during a raid at a Child Development Project office in Budgam district. 

The sleuths conducted the raid at Sheri Mohalla in Narbal area, 13 kms from here, following information about supply of expired food items to different Anganwari centres in the valley, a police spokesman said. 

He said the search party recovered 86 quintals (8.6 tonnes) of expired food items including 46 quintals of Daliya and 40 quintals of Sooji during the raid. 

A case has been registered and investigations taken up, the spokesman said. 

Meanwhile, a team of Food Safety Officers of Drug and Food Control Organisation today inspected Mehjoor Nagar market in Srinagar and seized flood-contaminated carbonated water and juices worth Rs 7,000. 

"The team found a departmental store selling flood-contaminated food items including carbonated water, juices and juice powder. The same was seized and sales by the shop were suspended for seven days," an official spokesman said.

D&FCO SEIZES FLOOD-AFFECTED EATABLES AT MEHJOOR NAGAR

Srinagar, May 18 (KNS): On specific information that flood-affected carbonated water and juices have resurfaced in some markets of Srinagar, a team of Food Safety Officers of Drug and Food Control Organization, headed by Assistant Commissioner Food Safety District Srinagar, inspected various food establishments in Mehjoor Nagar area and found one Jannat Departmental Store selling flood-contaminated food items including carbonated water, juices and tang juice powder worth approximately Rs 7,000. The same was seized and sales by the shop were suspended for seven days.

Moreover eight complaints, six in the court of Adjudication Officer Srinagar Mr. Qazi Sarwar and two in the court of Municipal Magistrate Srinagar have been filed against various Food Business Operators for violating different provisions of Food Safety & Standards Act 2006.

The consumers have been informed that if they have any complaint with regard to quality of food stuffs, they can contact the department on Phone Nos. 249009 and 9419601090.

2-minute noodle Maggi faces ban? Know why you should avoid eating this fast food

New Delhi, May 18: You may have found your favourite 2-minute Maggi noodle very tasty, but fact of the matter is that it contains harmful chemicals which could be dangerous to your health. 

Reportedly, the company may face ban in India after as it was recently found that the noodle Maggi contains high amount of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead. This shocking revelation came to fore after samples from many parts of Uttar Pradesh were tested in the lab. It has been found that Maggi contains 17 parts per million lead, while the permissible limit is only 0.01 ppm.

According to Times Of India report , Lucknow Food Safety and Drug Administration has written to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), urging it to take strong action against the company. The state regulator has further requested the FSSAI to collect samples from all over India so that quality of the product could be ensured. 

Vijay Bahadur Yadav, FSDA Assistant Commissioner was quoted as saying, "We have tested Maggi samples at Kolkata's referral laboratory. The test results show that there are added monosodium glutamate and excess of lead. We have ordered further sampling". 

However, Nestle which makes noodle Maggi in India has denied adding any such harmful chemical to its product. 

What is monosodium glutamate (MSG) 

• The monosodium glutamate is a amino acid which is used as food additive 
• It is used to enhance flavor and mainly used in Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats. 

Harmful Effects 

• Experts say that the chemical is harmful if often used, especially for children. 
• It could cause weight gain, brain damage and liver inflammation and other serious health implications. 

What is the rule to use it 

• Reportedly, FDA has not clearly said that MSG is harmful and it should not be used. 
• But the food regulator wants that company must mention the 'amount of MSG' on food packets. 
• Not mentioning the amount of the chemical in particular product is taken as violation of the rule.