Minister Promises Action in Maggi Masala MSG Controversy

The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan addressing a press conference to brief about initiatives of his Ministry, during last one year, in Mumbai on May 25, 2015.

Minister Promises Action in Maggi Masala MSG Controversy

Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has finally stepped into the issue of the alleged presence of “higher” level of lead and a MSG in Nestle’s Maggi Masala noodles.

The reports of higher monosodium glutamate (MSG) found in Nestle’s Maggi noodles is already under scrutiny in several states such as UP and Maharashtra. “We will look into the matter and decide on a course of action after the investigation,” Paswan told reporters.

The famous 2-minute Maggi Noodles, nowadays advertised by Madhuri Dixit, was found to have contained monosodium glutamate (MSG) and ‘lead’ beyond the permissible levels by UP food and drug officials recently.

In their test, the authorities found that Maggi contained 17 ppm (parts per million) lead, which is harmful as against the permissible levels of 0.01ppm.

While the authorities are going gor further sampling to establish the contents of Maggi Noodles, the Lucknow Food Safety and Drug Administration said an enquiry has been ordered and the national Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in New Delhi has been inimated about the first round test results.

If the second round too confirms the conents of MSG and lead in higher permissible levels in Maggi Noodles, then the FSSAI will have to cancel the manufacturing and selling of Maggi Noodles in India. Swiss-based Nestle is the manufacturer of Maggi Noodles.

Uttar Pradesh FSDA confirmed the results and said further sampling has been ordered. Its Assistant Commissioner Vijay Bahadur Yadav told the media that the samples were tested at Kolkata lab. “The test results show that there are added monosodium glutamate and excess of lead.”

While the enquiry and further sampling is on, a Nestle spokesperson refuted the charges saying the company does not add MSG to MAGGI Noodles and glutamate, if present, may have come from naturally occurring sources. Nestle further defended that the lead content is insignificant and less than 1 % of the fixed limit.

Of late, several popular brands have come under scanner for their non-compliance with regulatory provisions. Even Colgate was found to have used excess chemicals in their Total toothpaste last year. Most of these events end up in courts or companies simply withdraw the brand with no long-term punitive action.

Otherwise, the general complaint against all noodles including Maggi, Top Ramen, Ching’s Secret and others is that they are high on salt and fat content too, which is harmful to children who love to eat and the targeted audience in TV commercials.

The Consumer Education and Research Society (CERS) of Ahmedabad had complained to the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) over Madhuri-promoted Maggi Oats Noodles and Maggi Atta Noodles disputing their claims of being healthy but so far no action has been taken, though the ASCI had upheld CERS’ complaint saying the ads contravened Chapter I.4 of the ASCI Code and also the Guidelines on Advertising of Foods & Beverages.

Food Safety Officers inspect Food Park at Industrial Estates Khunmoh

784 bottles of Kashmir Kissan mixed fruit jam seized

SRINAGAR, MAY 25: A team of Food Safety Officers headed by Assistant Commissioner Food Safety district Srinagar on routine inspection of Food Park Industrial Estates Khunmoh were surprised to notice that a manufacturer of Pickle, Jam and Jellies was relabeling mixed fruit jam bottles having net weight 500 grams with date of manufacture March 2014 and January 2015. The whole stock appeared to be flood contaminated.

The proprietor confessed that he had put himself, this whole stock in the muddy water so that his insurance claim is settled as victim of flood.

The whole stock which comprised 784 bottles of mixed fruit jams with Brand name Kashmir Kissan batch No's 0124 and A-0120 was seized and samples of the same were sent to food analyst Kashmir for analytical purpose.

Meanwhile, the department has received some complaints that in some areas of Srinagar City flood affected Juices and carbonated waters are being sold to the consumers.

The public at large is requested to check the date of manufacture and packing conditions of the product before purchase and in case of any suspected flood affected food article, inform department on the following No's: 0194-2490095 and 9419601090.

FSSAI ADVISORY ON IRON FILINGS IN TEA

GAZETTE NOTIFICATION OF BAN OF MANUFACTURE, STORAGE, SALE OF PANMASALA, GUTKHA

Maharashtra FDA chief urges scientists to help enforce FSS regulations

Mumbai

Food scientists and technologists have been urged to work closely with FDA to introduce new ideas and methods for the enforcement of FSS regulations in the state of Maharashtra. This call was given by Harshdeep Kamble, commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Maharashtra, at the recently-held annual general body meeting of Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India) (AFSTI), Mumbai Chapter, and Prof. J V Bhat Memorial Lecture.

Speaking at the meeting, Kamble asserted that FDA is working not only as a regulator, but also as a facilitator and quality agent for food processing industry. Food scientists, technologists and regulatory experts from different parts of the city and state were present at the meeting. 

He further said, “Collaboration of the scientific community with the food safety authority could help the initiative of Make in Maharashtra and for the development of food processing industries with focus on quality and safety. Such a combined effort and proper regulations could bring down retail prices of many unregulated products including pharmaceuticals. AFST(I) can play a role in the technological and knowledge development of both food business operators and food safety officers.”

“FDA Maharashtra is one of the best food safety authorities in the country with a track record of strict control on quality and standards for public health and development of industries. We have ordered a testing on Maggi noodles from different parts of the state after serious quality concerns. We still need to develop proper methods of checking to ensure food safety and avoid unwanted panic in public about food products,” he said. 

Later, names of the new office bearers of the AFST(I) Mumbai chapter were announced. Prabodh Halde is the new president, while Nilesh S Amritkar and Vidyutt K Naram are vice- presidents. Nilesh Lele is the new secretary with Rashmi Kolhe as the treasurer. 

Halde stated, “We are grateful to the commissioner of FDA Maharashtra for his presence and notion to collaborate with the food scientific community and industries to better quality implementation and regulatory measures. Scientific community can contribute greatly to the innovation in products and simplification of various regulatory issues with combined efforts. The association will continue to strive for the advancement of all aspects of science and technology relating to the production, processing and distribution of food.”

Food safety officers to conduct surprise checks

Food safety officers are gearing up for surprise inspections at mango mandis in the city to book fruit merchants found using the banned calcium carbide to artificially-ripen mangoes.

Amid reports of continued use of calcium carbide, which has been banned under Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, owing to its harmful effects on health, Food Safety Officer (Mysuru urban) M.S. Lokesh told The Hindu that they had received instructions to conduct surprise raids at mango markets.

“If we find calcium carbide, we will seize the chemical and the fruits. After a mahazar, we will submit the evidence to the court along with photographs,” he said.

The Food Safety Officer said they were unable to begin the checks earlier as the State government lacked lab facilities to test samples of seized mangoes.

“But now, we have been given instructions to conduct surprise checks, book erring merchants and submit the evidence to the jurisdictional courts,” he said.

Earlier this week, about 45 mango merchants of Mysuru attended a training programme by the Department of Horticulture organised as part of the mango mela at Curzon, where they were trained to use of permitted ripening agents like ethylene spray.

However, a section of the merchants continued to use calcium carbide as ripening agent.

When asked, a trader at the mango mandi on Akbar Road affirmed this.

However, Farooq Pasha, president of Mango Merchants Association, Akbar Road, sought to clarify that only a section continued to use calcium carbide while most traders had begun spraying ethylene gas. He said the mangoes take about five days to ripen when treated with ethylene gas against the three days when calcium carbide is used.

Sources in the Horticulture Department pointed out that a section of the mango merchants used calcium carbide to earn a quick buck.

FDA seizes gutka worth Rs 7.34 lakh

PUNE: Officials of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized gutka and paan masala totally worth Rs 7.34 lakh from a grocery shop in Loni Kalbhor in Pune district on Monday afternoon. 

"We received a tip-off following which we kept a watch and raided the grocery shop in Loni Kalbhor. The shop owner had stocked a large amount of banned products in his shop and was selling them in a clandestine manner to his clients at a higher price," Shashikant Kekare, joint commissioner (food), FDA, Pune. 

A team of food safety officials (FSO) comprising Avinash Dabhade, Sachin Aadhav and V R Sonawande conducted the raid under the guidance of assistant commissioner (food) Shivkumar Kodgire 

"A first information report (FIR) in this regard has been lodged with the Loni Kalbhor police station under section 328 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The state government has made the manufacture, sale and distribution of gutka a non-bailable offence now," said Kekare.

Beware! Are you consuming the right product???

According to a latest report revealed by the national food safety authority, brands like Fieldfresh, McCain, Venky’s, Starbucks and the Blue Bell Creameries which have an online presence in India are under the scanner.

Ever since Maggie has come into FDA’s trap, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has played a significant role in judging the food products that are being consumed generally. According to a latest report revealed by the national food safety authority, brands like Fieldfresh, McCain, Venky’s, Starbucks and the Blue Bell Creameries which have an online presence in India are under the scanner. 

Why the Hullabaloo?

The food safety authority also mentioned that certain products sold under these brands, for example, Starbucks’ sauces, pudding, mixes, syrups and a set of tea and coffee were denied approval by the authority. Meanwhile, McCain, which is one of the largest food suppliers in India, was brought down by the food safety division for its cheese bites and battered pepper.

“Most of the food business operators, especially the aggrieved ones, appear to be swearing by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, conveniently forgetting that it is also accompanied by the words ‘Zero Defect and Zero Effect’,” said Y S Malik, CEO, FSSAI in an open letter posted on the group’s website dated 11th May.

At the same time, Nestle India, which has been selling the instant Noodle Maggi in India for more than a decade now, has seen a 20-40 per cent of drop in sales in major metro cities. Contributing to approximately 40 per cent of the business, the latest issue has affected the business and brand image of Maggi noodles in the country.

“The System of ‘Product Approval’ has been projected as a highly contentious issue vis- à-vis the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) so far. There are a number of reasons for the Industry’s anguish in this behalf, of which, the most pressing could perhaps be attributed to the pendency of applications and the time taken in disposal thereof. I do not wish to be drawn into the debate about the merits of Product Approval, especially the sine qua non of the ‘Proprietary Food’ at this stage, stated Malik in the letter further.

However, talking to industry experts, it was also noticed that the product approval and the process required for a company to go through it is a long-drawn process, making the industry vulnerable to trouble. The industry also held the view that the law is too stringent to be followed, for a simple approval that they need to have, as the company needs to go through certain follow ups and the procedure is so slow that they would rather end the whole process.

How ‘Meri Wali Maggi’ wave has hit the social media

From the day Maggi ban hit the Indian market, Maggi lovers have come up with a mix of reactions on the social media pages. On one hand, many were unhappy with the issue, while on the other hand, consumers were happy to accept the situation looking for a better replacement of it.

However, going through all these setbacks, Nestle India has assured its customers for a safe Maggie bite announcing that the product samples have been sent to the local authorities for quality check.

Boosting the confidence of its customers, a Maggi spokesperson shared, “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. In the meantime, it is important to note that there are no other orders to recall Maggi Noodle products in the market. People can be confident that Maggi Noodle products are safe to eat.”

Way ahead

FSSAI believes that the Indian consumer is less aware and largely gullible. As regards the constraints of our legal system, the organisation in a letter pointed out, “We often see the misleading claims and ads, but one is yet to see any visible signs of self-regulation."

However, it will be good news for other brands like MTR, Gitz, Yipee, Wai Wai noodles, and Bagrry’s among others to tap the market left by Maggi, if the government takes an initiative of banning it in India, as the replacement wave is already being witnessed on the social media platforms.

And to fix all these issues, both government and food regulators need to work together as this has a direct affect on the consumer who is going to consume these products. A more friendly law and a faster process will help in recovering these issues, which has been noticed time and again.

Maggi issue wake-up call for food cos: CSE

Activist body, best known for raising the pesticide in colas issue a decade before, say enforcement of food regulation must get stringent as consumption of packaged stuff grows

Nestle’s travails with regulatory authorities over its Maggi brand last week is a wake-up call for food & beverage companies, says Delhi-based activist body Centre for Science & Environment (CSE).

“I am happy that regulators are testing food products and taking action. As long as you don’t test, you will not know what is going into these. With packaged food consumption on the rise in India, law enforcement will have to get stringent,” said CSE Deputy Director-General Chandra Bhushan.

Last week, official agencies in Maharashtra and Gujarat collected samples of Maggi to test whether it contained more than the permissible amounts of lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG). This was in response to findings by the Food & Drug Administration in Uttar Pradesh that Maggi contained lead and MSG was beyond the permissible limit. While high levels of lead in food are known to be harmful, MSG is a flavour enhancer, commonly added to Chinese food. To Indians, it is known as ajinomoto, thanks to the Japanese company of the same name that has been manufacturing it for over 100 years.

Bhushan of CSE says MSG is a non-essential salt that should not be added to food at all. However, food processing and catering industries have for long used MSG to enhance the flavour of food, say experts.

According to Nestle, 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.

It also said that in its routine tests over the years, it never found Maggi containing more than 0.03 ppm of lead.

It was CSE that first raised the issue of pesticides in colas, 12 years earlier, prompting the then government led by Atal Behari Vajyapee to set up a joint parliamentary committee under Sharad Pawar to probe the matter. 

This was only the fourth JPC to be then constituted, a token of the matter’s seriousness. The issue didn’t end there. The second episode of pesticide in colas, in 2006 and raised again by CSE, prompted the then government, led by Manmohan Singh, to overhaul food regulation in the country altogether.

The Food Safety & Standards (FSS) Act, which mandates what should go into packaged foods and to what extent, was enacted in the same year. This was done in a bid to make food regulation relevant to the times, till then governed by the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.

There were also a series of commodity-specific laws such as the Fruit Products Order, 1955; Meat Food Products Order, 1973; Milk and Milk Products Order, 1992; and Vegetable Oil Products (Regulation) Order, 1998, which were all brought under the purview of the FSS Act.

Activists have repeatedly complained that enforcement of the FSS Act remains weak. However, in an open letter recently, the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India, the apex regulator, said it was both protecting the interests of consumers and ensuring food safety standards were met.

Maggi is in a soup. But it won’t give up without a fight

Alike it's delicious variant of soupy noodles, Maggi noodles is in a concentrated soup and there seems no 2 minute respite anytime soon. A week later after reports detecting high content of lead in one batch of Maggi has stirred up a controversy, Nestle India has initiated a quick damage control. Asking the retailers not to panic, Maggi has been putting up logics to defend its move, a news report by The Economic Times has claimed.

"The order to recall the Maggi batch is for February 2014, which anyway would have got expired in November 2014," Nestle wrote to retailers. "This is an order from the state agency and no central agency has passed any orders," it said. reviewed a copy of the communication. 

The ET reviewed a copy of the communication where it has been further said, "This is an order from the state agency and no central agency has passed any orders."

"The news of lead is yet to be verified in the second test. The amount of any such substance is so small in any food product that even the slightest of error in test results might give incorrect results," the note said. In an email response to the ET, a Nestle India spokesperson said, "Some recent reports in the media about Maggi noodles are confusing people and we are working to clear the confusion as soon as possible. We are confident of our product and are sharing this confidence with our consumers and trade. It is too early to assess any impact on sales."

However, insiders' report to the financial daily has shown a significant drop in the sales of Maggi ranging from 10-40% since last week. Sales at stores in metros and bigger cities have been specially impacted because a lot of the current controversy has escalated on social media like Facebook and Twitter," sources have confirmed the ET.

The brand accounts for close to 30% of Nestle's sales in the country. National food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated sample tests of Maggi noodles across other parts of the country, including Kolkata and Mumbai and Nagpur. 

Defending its flagship brand strongly, Nestle said Maggi noodles comply with applicable food and safety laws as well as the company's own standards of quality and safety before they reach consumers. Its spokesman said Nestle has made a representation to the Uttar Pradesh authorities and has submitted large number of product samples to an independent accredited laboratory to independently evaluate the product. 

"We will share the initial results soon and will continue to update as new results are received," the spokesperson told ET. In its communication to retailers, Nestle urged them not to be defensive if any customer talks about the controversy. "Nestle is a big enough company and will come clean out of it. Please don't get into any sort of communication or opinion without legal guidance," it said. 

Industry experts, however, say the controversy could have a severe long-term impact on brand trust. "In a case of this magnitude, both parties should make their reports public. In case the authorities have proof that the product in the market is tainted and unsafe, then they will likely initiate a public recall and initiate a probe in the matter," said Ashwin Bhadri, food auditor and business relations head at Equinox Labs, which works closely with the FSSAI, on compliance issues.

Nestle urges retailers to step up Maggi promotions as sales slide

Defending its flagship brand strongly, Nestle said Maggi noodles comply with applicable food and safety laws as well as the company's own standards of quality and safety before they reach consumers.

NEW DELHI | KOLKATA: Nestle has directed retailers "not to be defensive" about the controversy over alleged high lead content in Maggi noodles and instead promote its flagship product even as its sales have started to slide across India. 

"Please do not panic with the Maggi news," the world's largest food maker by revenues has written to the organised retail trade, two officials in receipt of the communication said. "The orders to recall the Maggi batch is for February 2014, which anyway would have got expired in November 2014," Nestle wrote to retailers. "This is an order from the state agency and no central agency has passed any orders," it said. ET reviewed a copy of the communication. 

"The news of lead is yet to be verified in the second test. The amount of any such substance is so small in any food product that even the slightest of error in test results might give incorrect results," the note said. In an email response to ET, a Nestle India spokesperson said, "Some recent reports in the media about Maggi noodles are confusing people and we are working to clear the confusion as soon as possible. We are confident of our product and are sharing this confidence with our consumers and trade. It is too early to assess any impact on sales."

The two trade officials quoted earlier, however, said sales of Maggi noodles in their national retail chains fell 10-40% last week compared to the previous week. "Sales at stores in metros and bigger cities have been specially impacted because a lot of the current controversy has escalated on social media like Facebook and Twitter," one of them said.The other official, representing a leading food and grocery retail chain, said: "Sales first began falling in UP mid last week, but over the last few days, sales of Maggi noodles have gone down consistently, in some cases by 40% across cities." Maggi has close to 70% share of the Rs 2,700-crore instant noodles category, followed by ITC's Sunfeast Yippee and Nissin's Top Ramen. 

The brand accounts for close to 30% of Nestle's sales in the country. National food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated sample tests of Maggi noodles across other parts of the country, including Kolkata and Mumbai and Nagpur. 

Defending its flagship brand strongly, Nestle said Maggi noodles comply with applicable food and safety laws as well as the company's own standards of quality and safety before they reach consumers. Its spokesman said Nestle has made a representation to the Uttar Pradesh authorities and has submitted large number of product samples to an independent accredited laboratory to independently evaluate the product. 

"We will share the initial results soon and will continue to update as new results are received," the spokesperson told ET. In its communication to retailers, Nestle urged them not to be defensive if any customer talks about the controversy. "Nestle is a big enough company and will come clean out of it. Please don't get into any sort of communication or opinion without legal guidance," it said. 

Industry experts, however, say the controversy could have a severe long-term impact on brand trust. "In a case of this magnitude, both parties should make their reports public. In case the authorities have proof that the product in the market is tainted and unsafe, then they will likely initiate a public recall and initiate a probe in the matter," said Ashwin Bhadri, food auditor and business relations head at Equinox Labs, which works closely with the FSSAI, on compliance issues. 

Pankaj Sharma, a consumer rights activist on health and environment issues, said: "The company should invest on aspects of food and consumer safety. The findings of the FDA are glaring and if the company doesn't work along those lines, it might have a long-term impact on the brand."

DINAMALAR NEWS

FSSAI orders recall of Monster, Tzinga and Cloud 9; implementation soon

New Delhi

In a first-of-its-kind move apex food authority Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has acted tough on energy drinks by withdrawing their No Objection Certificate (NOC) and issuing a recall.

In this regard, though FSSAI does not have standards for energy drinks, the primary argument put forth by the authority to initiate the action was ‘irrational combination’ of unrecognised ingredients such as ‘ginseng’ along with excess amounts of caffeine, which is not fit for health.

While experts feel such measures are of not much use in the absence of standards as the problem will persist, FSSAI has withdrawn NOC to energy drinks that go by the names Monster, Tzinga, and Cloud 9. The order has asked the companies to stop manufacturing, sale, distribution, import and recall such products in India.

Interestingly, other leading names like Red Bull, Coca Cola Burn, and Bisleri Urzaa remained out of the net as they do not contain ginseng herb. Yet, their caffeine quantity is under scanner and it is not clear whether these products have been tested and cleared.

As for the products whose NOC has been withdrawn, though a recall has been ordered the process seems to be slow as action is being taken against only some of them in some states. For instance, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra has reportedly seized cans worth Rs 3.9 lakh of an energy drink from a local mall, recently. Officials stated that the raid was conducted since the report of Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was out. Officials seized 3,930 cans of the energy drink worth Rs 3.75 crore.

Meanwhile, other states like UP are not taking any such action and waiting for the orders. Vijay Bahadur, assistant commissioner, food safety, UP, informed that if FSSAI asked the companies to recall the product, the state agency would ensure that it happened.

The background

The apex food authority in its letter on May 8, 2015, observed that rationale for combination of ginseng and caffeine, projected as flavouring agent is not approved by FSSR and is misleading in these energy drinks. Further in case of Monster Energy Absolutely Zero, the authority found it carbonated, caffeinated, along with ginseng extract and have opposing effect on human body.

Further the letter to Monster says that one can (475 ml) of Monster Energy Zero was found to contain vitamins B2, B3, B6 and B12 in excess of the recommended daily intake. Apart from ginseng and caffeine, the product also contains Taurine and L Carnitine, two amino acids, in violation of Section 22 of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Regulations, 2011. The use of L Carnitine and ginseng has to be specifically approved by FSSAI for use in such energy drinks. FSSAI also said in its letter to Monster that the company has not provided adequate supporting data for the products.

Earlier, FSSAI was to issue the letter withdrawing the NOC in September 2014. But the company managed to secure interim relief from the Bombay High Court in the same month. FSSAI challenged the interim relief in Supreme Court and the apex court finally issued the letter of withdrawal of NOC on May 8, 2015.

The apex food regulator has asked Monster to recall its products as they are declared unsafe.

As for Cloud 9, FSSAI has rejected NOC for pomegranate energy drink, red grapes energy drink, wild berry energy drink and premium energy drink. In its letter, the FSSAI wrote that the application for product approval for the above-mentioned have been examined. “Based on the 17th meeting of the scientific panel on functional food, nutraceuticals, dietetic products and other similar products, it was recommended that there is irrational combination of caffeine and ginseng. Thereby NOC issued to Cloud 9 stands withdrawn.”

The order further says that the company is advised to stop immediately the manufacturing, distribution and sales of the said product.

NOCs for energy drinks such as Tzinga Energy have been withdrawn on similar grounds.

Meanwhile, according to Centre for Science and Environment, energy drinks have been at the centre of controversy due to their high caffeine content, a strong psycho-stimulant which is marketed as an instant source of energy.

“High caffeine content can have life-threatening impact on blood pressure, heart and brain functions. The energy rush after consuming such drinks come from the sugars present in it, while caffeine only gives the impression of feeling energetic.”

Study on energy drinks

CSE a Delhi-based non-profit, in 2011, conducted a study on the safety of energy 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.

Results revealed that 44 per cent of the samples breached the caffeine limit of 145 ppm set for carbonated beverages. Thirty-eight per cent of the samples breached the limit mentioned on the label and 25 per cent did not mention the caffeine content on the label.

As of now, India has not declared any standards limiting the caffeine content in energy drinks to be followed by the industry. As per a 2009 amendment in Rule 37-A (2) of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, “energy” drinks were to follow the caffeine cap of 145 ppm, as is applicable to carbonated beverages. A stay order was placed on the amendment in 2010 which led the industry to be largely unregulated, says CSE.

Later, FSSAI notified a draft regulation on April 18, 2013, with standards for total caffeine in caffeinated beverages to be not less than 145 mg/l and not more than 320 mg/l. As per the draft, energy drinks were to be categorised as caffeinated beverages.

It proposed that product labels must display a message recommending that the daily intake must not exceed two cans per day. It also required labelling to have a prominent display of caution, warning against consumption by children, pregnant and lactating women. It recommended packaging of energy drinks in 250 ml containers with no health and enhanced function claims. 

CSE adds, till date, there has been no action or update on the status of these draft regulations. Detractors claim that consuming caffeine through tea and coffee is similar to that consumed through energy drinks.

But it is important to note that tea and coffee are consumed in smaller quantities and more slowly.

A can of energy drink has more caffeine and is consumed in higher quantity. When these are taken at one go, they are likely to cause sudden chemical burden on the body. It is, therefore, recommended that energy drinks follow a caffeine limit of 145 ppm.

Apart from their high caffeine content, concerns have also been raised about the consumption of these drinks with alcohol to counter drowsiness. However, scientific evidence shows that such consumption can impair cognitive function, increase probability of alcohol dependence and can affect other organs in the body.

CSE adds, the manufacturers claim that it is the combination of caffeine, taurine, glucoronolactone, vitamins, herbal supplements, and sugar or sweeteners that gives the energy. However studies show otherwise.

While it is the sugar that gives the energy rush, the caffeine only gives a 'feeling' of energy. There are studies to show health impacts of a few of the above stimulants, but hardly any long-term studies to show the effect of a combination of these stimulants in the drinks.

Energy drinks, a Rs 250 crore market growing annually at the rate of 20 per cent, is unregulated. They fall under the category of 'Proprietary foods' in the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act of 1954. An amendment ensured that caffeine in energy drinks should be capped at 145 ppm, the limit that was set for carbonated beverages. However, Red Bull managed to get a stay order on the amendment and since then the energy drink market is expanding unregulated. The FSSAI is currently making regulations on energy drinks, says CSE.

Maggi Noodles Found with Excess Lead: Doctors Respond

In the world of food, how long can you keep a secret? If reports are to be believed, then Maggi has kept the secret for almost 40 years. Food Safety And Drug Administration (FSDA) Lucknow had collected a few samples of Maggi noodles and sent them to Kolkata for testing. The report found traces of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and lead content to be beyond permissible limits. The FSDA officials said the acceptable limit of lead ranges between 0.01 ppm and 2.5 ppm and what they found was 17.2 parts per million (ppm).

What Lead Does to You?

"Lead can damage almost every organ system." - Web MD

According to Dr. Rupali, Dietician at Fortis Hospital, "Human exposure to lead can occur through soil, water and food. Lead deposits in your system over time and doesn't trigger an immediate problem. It's not acute and can only be diagnosed with a blood test. Children are more at risk for lead poisoning because their smaller bodies are in a continuous state of growth and development. Lead is absorbed at a faster rate compared to adults, which causes more physical harm to them than older people."

Dr. Ritika Samaddar, Dietics, Max Hospital says, "Lead is a toxin that is not required by your body. If it's allowed to accumulate in your body over time then it can spread to your brain, liver, kidney and bones causing long-term damage."

"Lead is gradually deposited in the liver and after a while the liver cells start to die. And what is left instead of normal cells are scarred tissues. Besides liver failure, other symptoms of ingesting too much lead are: inability to digest food, hormonal changes and bloating. It can also be deposited in the nervous and reproductive systems. What makes it worse is that the symptoms are so vague that doctors can't diagnose them" said Dr. Shikha Sharma.

If lead wasn't used intentionally, could it be a result of contamination? Dr. Shikha Sharma says, "A few years ago Coke was accused of having toxins and after investigating the issue they found that the water they were using wasn't purified enough. So even in this case, the presence of lead in Maggi could be the result of some kind of contamination."

Too Much MSG in Your Food: What that Means

MSG often goes by the name of hydrolyzed proteins, yeast extracts or protein concentrates. However, the names aren't exactly interchangeable. According to FDA's website, MSG occurs naturally in hydrolised proteins and so the food agency doesn't require that MSG be listed separately. At the same time, foods with any ingredient that naturally contains MSG cannot claim "No MSG" or "No added MSG" on their packaging.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) can be found naturally in ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, soybeans, seaweed and dried mushrooms. But these days, instead of extracting glutamate from natural sources, MSG is produced by fermentation of starch, sugar beets, sugar cane or molasses.

(What is MSG all about?)

Dr.Shikha Sharma says "The naturally produced MSG isn't something you need to worry about. It's the synthetic kind which isn't easy to digest and can harm your health. Especially in the case of kids and pregnant women. Synthetic MSG can cross the placenta and reach the baby causing multiple problems."

Dr. Rupali, Dietician at Fortis Hospital says, "Headache, flushing, sweating, chest pain and nausea are all symptoms that are attributed to MSG. However, researchers have found no definitive evidence of a link between MSG and these symptoms. Researchers acknowledge, though, that a small percentage of people may have short-term reactions to MSG. Symptoms are usually mild and don't require treatment. The only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid foods containing MSG."

What do the American food authorities feel about lead contamination? The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first sought to limit or ban the presence of lead in 1906. And since then, it's published countless reports that define a limit for different kinds of products. For example, a 2006 report says, "This guidance provides a recommended maximum lead level of 0.1 ppm in candy likely to be consumed frequently by small children."

At this point it's important to mention that the lead quantity found in over a dozen packets in Maggi is 17.2 parts per million (ppm) which in our country is eaten by both adults and little children!

What the Indian food authorities have to say? According to an online report published by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), "The term trace metals refers to the metals found in food. While some inorganic elements such as sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus are essential to man; elements like lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic are found to cause delirious effects even in low levels of 10-50mg/kg." They've also tabulated the amount of lead that can go into specific kinds of food although it's unclear which product category instant noodles falls into.

Please note: While the The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSDA) has confirmed the test results, the FSSAI is yet to conduct its own investigation. But this controversy has most definitely opened up a can of worms for Maggi noodles.

DINAMALAR NEWS

DINAMALAR NEWS

Packaged food are time savers but harmful too!

Eat, pray and sleep is the norm what nowadays people are opting for. In such hectic life people rather than cooking meals for an hour or two prefer to take packed or ready to eat food. But how healthy these? A recent report revealed that everyone's favorite past time meal maggi contain lead and MSG (monosodium glutamate) beyond permissible limit.

Meanwhile, the Lucknow Food Safety and Drug Administration asked Food Safety and Standard Authority of India in writing to cancel the license of Nestle's product Maggi. However, Nestle denied all allegations.

Perhaps in order to enhance flavour of packed and processed food, the usage of MSG is common but it may also harm people's health if it's presence is in excess. Even human body produce monosodium glutamate but regular intake of the same can bless one with unhealthy life. It is a silent killer or one can call it sweet poison which engulf one's body leisurely.

There are other products too which following the same step. They not only conquered everyone's taste but also inundating all with diseases.

Soups

Once everyone was more concerned about consuming fresh food but as time changes, the packed food has superseded it all. Packed soups are not good for health as it contain dehydrated veggies, dried glucose syrup , edible vegetable fat, yeast extract powder etc. The usage of food color or flavor enhancer in soup can directly effect one's liver and kidney. Also one's digestive system face problems because of toxic coloring agents. 

Ready to eat food

One cannot think of getting into shape after regular intake of this type of meal. It contains dehydrated vegetables, spices including sugar. Fresh vegetables are more rich in nutrient comparative to dehydrated veggies. This kind of veggies are completely devoid of nutrient, protein and vitamins. Even re-heating of this type of meal totally kills the available micro-nutrients of veggies. 

Museli or sugar coated flakes

Everyone finds museli and sugar coated flakes the best breakfast for every morning. But how often people discussed its' side effects in life? Although it is complete meal in itself but with disease like diabetes. One can surely wait to get diabetic patient soon after consuming this type of breakfast regularly. It not only increase the sugar level in body but also cause hyper-activeness.

Maggi hullaballoo sparks memes, jokes

MP: Residents anxious about consuming Maggi

Scientists have reportedly found lead and a high level of MSG in about two dozen packets of noodles manufactured by Nestle India in Uttar Pradesh. 

The presence of high-level of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead in Maggi as scientists reportedly found in it recently has made residents anxious about the quality of the product that they’ve been consuming for years.

Media reports suggested that scientists found lead and high level of MSG in about two dozen packets of noodles manufactured by the company in Uttar Pradesh during a routine test.

However, some shopkeepers in New Market and MP Nagar said there was no impact on the sale of Maggi.

Even otherwise, if there was any such report, its impact on the sale could not be assessed in just a day, they said.

A resident of Trilanga, Sudha Tiwari, said: “For me, Maggi was a comfortable food and a favourite too, but after the news regarding the lead in the Maggi, I can’t even think of eating it. I can’t take risks with my child’s life.”

Requesting anonymity, a distributor said: “We didn’t receive any instruction from the company. Even shopkeepers didn’t make any query about it. We will take any action only after the company’s instructions.”

Food and drugs administration joint controller Pramod Shukla said: “We discussed the issue. As Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSA) is looking into the matter, we are waiting for the FSSA’s instructions. We will take action only after FSSA’s order.”

Nestle India’s area sales manager Sushil Doshi said, “I cannot comment on the news reports.”

However, the distributor of Maggi from Nestle India, the company which produces the noodles, has not received any instruction so far to withdraw any particular batch of the noodles from the market.

Maggi noodles in Dubai to be tested, says Dubai Municipality

Products in Middle East safe, says Nestlé after reports of recalls in India

Dubai - The Dubai Municipality will conduct tests on Maggi noodles in the wake of reports from India about “dangerous amount” of lead and flavour enhancers, even as Nestlé Middle East has assured the safety of the product in the UAE market.

Reports in the Indian media this week said Maggi’s two-minute noodles were under the scanner after high lead content was found during routine tests on two dozen packets in the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP). Initial tests reportedly also found high levels of added monosodium glutamate (MSG), a taste enhancer.

However, in a report on Wednesday, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India denied ordering a recall as reported by a section of the media. It said it was waiting for a report from UP before deciding to order a countrywide sampling.

A senior UP official also 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.

Responding to queries on the safety of the product here, a Dubai Municipality official said there was no safety concern raised at the moment. “We subject all products, including this, to laboratory tests after doing routine sampling,” he told Khaleej Times.

“We are aware of the issue in India. In view of that, we will conduct more specific sampling and tests to ensure compliance,” he added.

Another official said MSG was not banned in the UAE. It was also found mentioned on the labels of Maggi packets.

“We inspect food facilities for compliance. That ensures that unapproved products are not used. However, there is no ban on the use of MSG in the UAE... Products are tested on a risk-based scale and that helps us to ensure that unsafe products don’t get into the market,” he said. Lynn Al Khatib, a Nestlé Middle East spokesperson, told Khaleej Times: “All Nestlé products in the Middle East are safe and compliant with the highest quality standards.”

Welcoming tests on Maggi, she assured there was no need for consumers here to be concerned. However, she said she was not in a position to answer questions about the issue in India.

A top official from Sharjah Municipality said the inspectors take samples of food and test them every day. “They have never come across with issues (in this product) and all food in the market are fit for consumption. They didn’t receive complaints from the public either,” said the official.

Food inspectors seize stocks of Maggi noodles for inspection

Agra/ Lucknow/ Vadodra, May 23 (ANI): Food inspectors have been seizing stocks of Maggi noodles and sending samples to laboratory for inspection after high lead content was found during tests in Uttar Pradesh. Food inspectors have ordered Nestle India to recall a batch of Maggi noodles from shops across the country, saying the product contained dangerous levels of lead. The Food safety and Drug Administration (FDA) in Uttar Pradesh said high lead content was found during routine tests on two dozen packets of instant noodles, manufactured by Nestle in India. The scientists also found high levels of added monosodium glutamate (MSG), a taste enhancer, in the noodles. In Uttar Pradesh's Agra city, officials have seized and sealed 89 packets of the food product. Meanwhile, the situation is similar across Gujarat state. Nestle India, a subsidiary of Swiss-based Nestle SA (NESN.VX), however had said it had strict safety and quality controls in place for all raw materials used to make Maggi noodles.

Indian schools told to junk the junk food

Some unbelievable news just broke. Move over, Jamie Oliver: school nutrition has taken a leap forward in India, at least on paper. India’s middle-class urban kids are more obese than they have ever been. It is worrisome, given the high incidence of diabetes among Indian adults in the last few decades. This obesity has been linked to a change in diet and a major shift to a sedentary lifestyle, as city kids are glued to computers, PlayStations and smartphones after school, and spend less and less time outdoors.

In a major development, the Delhi High Court decreed that junk food – high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) – must be restricted in schools and a 50-metre radius around schools. The court ruling was made public recently. Educationists who have worked long and hard on the issue are doing a victory dance. The restrictions on junk food, or HFSS, are expected to cover schools all across India, and specifically restrict crisps, chips, fried foods, sugar-sweetened carbonated and non-carbonated drinks, ready-to-eat noodles, pizzas, burgers, French fries and a huge range of sweets which the court dubs ‘confectionery items’.

The Court has instructed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a government body authorized to regulate food standards, to develop specific rules around how the restrictions will be enforced with a 3-month deadline. Additionally, the court has asked the FSSAI to develop policies for school canteens to ensure nutritious, healthy and wholesome school meals.

They must also regulate advertising and promotional activities of junk-food companies directed at children, including potentially restricting celebrities from advertising junk food. So film stars and cricket icons can no longer sell Coca-Cola or Pepsi on TV. The FSSAI has been ordered to strengthen labelling laws to make nutritional labels more informative and appropriate and to establish stringent limits for unhealthy ingredients, including limiting transfats to 5 per cent. Schools are instructed to encourage their students to partake in games, yoga and physical activity.

The Court’s decision is a result of a public litigation filed by the Delhi-based Uday Foundation in December 2010. The Court created an expert advisory group comprising nutritionists and paediatricians. It included well-known environmentalist Sunita Narain, founder of the Centre for Science and Environment.

On the other side, predictably, was the National Restaurants Association of India, All India Food Processors Association and Retailers Association of India. Coca-Cola India and Nestlé were included with this group, having managed to implead themselves into the case. Ironically, newspapers today report that Nestlé’s Maggi noodles, currently a hot favourite with most middle-class Indian families, have just been recalled in India because they contain unacceptably high, unsafe levels of lead and monosodium glutamate. TV ads abound of ‘cool’ Indian mothers producing instant delights – instant noodles – for their ‘cool’ kids. Ordinary Indian fare – rice, dal and chappatis – is uncool, boring and country-bumpkinish.

Apparently, no-one in the judiciary thought it was funny or even ironic that McDonalds, Dominos, PepsiCo, Cadbury India (now Mondelez India), Dabur and Parle Agro were all represented by industry groups advising the judiciary on how to get Indian children to avoid junk food. It took Dr Arun Gupta, paediatrician-activist of International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), to voice the group’s concerns. ‘Allowing industry to advise on public-health policies, and particularly those affecting children, is wrong, because there is a clear conflict of interest. Food companies exist to make money.’

The decision by the Delhi High Court is a setback to junk-food companies which have identified emerging economies such as India as the new profitable markets. Sugary drinks are being challenged and curbed all across the world – Mexico introduced a sugar and junk-food tax in January 2014. Berkeley in the US voted in November 2014 to tax sugar-sweetened beverages. Research shows that for the first time in recorded history, the youngest generation of US kids will have a shorter life-span than their parents. Indian groups, including the India Resource Centre, IBFAN Asia, the Uday Foundation and the Alliance Against Conflict of Interest, will be working to challenge the attempts of the food industry to influence public policy. We wish them luck.

Mangoes seized

Food Safety Officers seized five tonnes of mangoes that were artificially ripened at fruit stalls in the city. According to Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (Food Safety Wing) Designated Officer R. Kathiravan, who led the teams that conducted the raids, two tonnes were seized from a shop on Karuppa Gounder Street and another three tonnes from a shop in Kembatti Colony. They were destroyed at the Corporation Compost Yard at Vellalore.

Fake plastic rice from China may be on your dinner plate

Feel a craving for a bowl of rice to go with your stir-fried chicken and veggies? That’s probably not a great idea if you’re in Asia considering the new reports of fake plastic rice which have started going around once again. Apparently, the source of this ‘manufactured’ grain is none other than China itself.

The fake rice is supposedly made of sweet potatoes, regular potatoes and synthetic resin, and then molded into shape. You’d imagine it’d be easier and cheaper to just grow and sell the real thing, right? Plastic resin is not meant to be consumed and will create problems in the digestive system, even though it’s not instantly poisonous when ingested in minute quantities.

The manufactured rice is said to have invaded largely rural countries like India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. It may have entered Singapore too recently. AsiaOne Soshoik News alleges that the product is ‘commonly sold’ in markets across China. Malaysian Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek has yet to confirm the veracity of the story, but promises an investigation into the matter.

Malek says that Malaysia’s strict regulations would make it hard for such spurious produce to enter the country. At the same time, it can reach small shops if it’s being smuggled across the borders. Suppliers may also be able to pass detection by mixing the synthetic grains with real rice. So how do you tell if you’re eating plastic rice or not? It seemingly remains hard even after being cooked.

Even for those who don’t put much stock in content circulating on social media and a couple of reports, it’s not easy to wave off such stories about a country that gave us theChinese milk scandal of 2008. It affected 300,000 people and had the World Health Organization (WHO) labeling it as one of the largest food safety events in recent times. India is not far behind on such scams either.

In the year 2013, it emerged that well over 70 percent of milk sold in India contained water (to dilute and increase quantity), caustic soda, skimmed milk powder, paint, sugar, urea (for preservation), detergent hydrogen peroxide, glucose, starch, salt and vegetable fat. And the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was seen to be doing nothing about it.

As for the plastic rice, even Indonesian authorities have started cracking down on it. According to The Jarkarta Globe, a raid on a store at the Mutiara Gading market in Bekasi discovered it to be selling the fake rice mixed with real grains. So watch what you put in your mouth, OK.

Soft drinks, food products of 300 firms adulterated

Several soft drink brands sold in Kerala contain hazardous chemicals. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has ordered these products to be recalled from the market.

The decision comes in the wake of media reports about possible regulatory action against Maggi noodles, which the state regulator in Uttar Pradesh said had high levels of lead and monosodium glutamate.

Kerala’s Food Safety Commissioner’s Office also found that food and healthcare products from about 300 companies, including multinational corporations, have been adulterated. The department has not publicised the names of the offending companies but the list has been handed over to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India as global companies were involved.

The central government has asked the states to immediately seize products that adulterate medicines and food items that attract children. The adulteration mostly happens in pills, which are usually mixed with chalk powder and chemicals. The fakery is prevalent in vitamin tablets.

The colouring agents used in beverages targeting children are proven agents which trigger cancer. Chips and ice cream have a large amount of harmful bacteria. The samples collected from across the state were tested in state-run food safety laboratories.

FROM KFC’S RICE BOWL TO MAGGI: 5 FOOD ITEMS THAT SPARKS CONTROVERSY

New Delhi: India is a hub of controversies where food items once or twice in a year becomes a headline for their contentious ingredient. With the recent Maggi controversy, food import and export guidelines have come under the scanner. Now food authorities have issued a notice to check samples of Maggi in every state.

While gourmands like us would argue that there are far more pressing food safety issues to worry about in our country, there are always two sides to every coin, so we give you a quick list of some controversial foods in India.

KFC’s ‘Rizo Rice’ artifical colour controversy

The samples of ‘Rizo Rice’ was taken from KFC at Scindia House in Connaught Place showed that it contained artificial colour.KFC denied these allegations and the authorities have confirmed that their rice product is safe for consumption.

Although rice sample was collected by FSSAI and analyzed from an NABL accredited independent lab at the same time and it confirmed that Tartrazine or any other synthetic colour was not present in the product.

The McDonald’s ‘beef fries’ controversy

In May 2001, a class action lawsuit was filed against the world’s largest fast-food chain McDonald’s. The lawsuit alleged that the company had, for over a decade, duped vegetarian customers into eating French fries that contained beef extracts.

Activists of Hindu fundamentalist groups – the Shiv Sena, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal, staged a demonstration in front of the McDonald’s head office in Delhi protesting the alleged use of beef flavouring. They submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, demanding the closure of all McDonald’s outlets in the country. About 30 people were arrested and later let off on bail. Company officials estimated the loss to the outlet at Rs 2 million.

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo controversial ingredient from drinks

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo removed a controversial ingredient from all their drinks, including Mountain Dew, Fanta and Powerade.

The ingredient, called brominated vegetable oil, had been the target of petitions on Change.org by a teenager who wanted it out of PepsiCo’s Gatorade and Coca-Cola’s Powerade. In her petitions, Sarah Kavanagh noted that the ingredient has been patented as a flame retardant.

Branded milk controversy

In 2012, report cited Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that found 70% of the milk sampled in Delhi adulterated. Glucose and skimmed milk powder were reported as the main adulterants.

Paediatrician gave their views that infant weaned on cattle milk may remain malnourished if the milk is diluted with water. Experts said that Milk adulterated with urea may lead to omiting, nausea and loose motions; detergents, vegetable fat and caustic soda can even lead to cancer in the long run. It can cause lever damage, heart problems and damage of the mucous membrane of the food pipe. After knowing so many health issues caused by adulteration, big brands lost their reliability among consumers.

Maggi Silicon ingredient

Food inspectors have ordered Nestle India to recall a batch of Maggi noodles from shops across Uttar Pradesh, saying the product contained dangerous levels of lead. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) in Uttar Pradesh said high lead content was found during routine tests on two dozen packets of instant noodles, manufactured by Nestle in India

Two FDA officials said all the packets of instant noodles tested in the state-run laboratory were contaminated. They found a lead concentration of 17.2 parts per million (ppm), which is way beyond the permissible limit.

Now food authorities have taken a new move and said that authorities will have testing of maggi sample in the whole country to counteract the high content of silicon in India.

Were Starbucks, Kellogg, McCain trying to sell substandard food products in India? Find out

The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rejected applications by Tata Starbucks, Ferrero, FieldFresh Foods, Kellog, Del Monte and McCain, who requested for product approvals.

The national food regulator, FSSAI, pulled up these companies for trying to seek passage of their items using 'Make in India' platform and rejected their applications on account of assessment of risk or safety.

The Economic Times reported the applications by Tata Starbucks that were disallowed include over 30 variants of puddings, sauces, mixes, syrups, tea and coffee. This was probably the single biggest set of product approvals request that was rejected by the FSSAI in one go.

The regulatory also rejected McCain's battered pepper and cheese bites, Venky's chicken Arabic-style kofta and crispy chicken burger patty, including Kellogg's Special K-red berries, Del Monte's egg mayonnaise/salad dressing variants, natural vinegar and a proprietary hot sauce, and Ferrero Rocher's proprietary milky and cocoa spreads with cereals and milk chocolate.

"Starbucks is committed to complying with the regulations in every market we operate in. In India, all of the products and ingredients that we serve are safe. FSSAI has not raised any questions on the safety of our products," a Tata Starbucks spokesperson told ET in an email response.

However, this is not the first time that Tata Starbucks had a problem with FSSAI. In April last year, the body blocked a consignment of syrups, which was released after the cafe chain moved the Bombay High Court for relief.

The regulator said the companies were also trying to take advantage of 'Make in India' initiative.

"Most food business operators, especially the aggrieved ones, appear to be swearing by the hon'ble PM's 'Make in India' initiative, conveniently forgetting that it is also accompanied by the words 'zero defect and zero effect'," FSSAI Chief Executive Officer YS Malik said in a an open letter to food & beverage firms on May 11, which was posted on the website.

It further read that the extent of unilateral condemnation of a sector regulator by the people whom it is meant to regulate has been unprecedented for some time in the past.

A company official said that the decision could be challenged in the court but it is a long-drawn process. "We would not want to get into those issues. Product approval, as it is, is so slow that we end up losing the competitive edge despite thoroughly researching these products," the official told ET.

The FSSAI conducts tests of random samples and in the case of imported products and checks them at ports. ET reported the FSSAI official said in his letter that companies often find it convenient to draw parallels with the US Food & Drug Administration or the EU regulatory system, "little realising that self-regulation is rather compelling in those economies, thanks to a very conscious and aware consumer base, coupled with an effective and responsive legal system"

Is Maggi safe to eat? Nestlé says yes

The quality and safety of the products are the top priorities for the company, reads the press release.

Nestlé House, Gurgaon, May 21, 2015

On April 30, 2015 the local authorities in Lucknow asked us to recall one batch of Maggi Noodles (around 200,000 packs) which were manufactured in February 2014 and had already reached the "Best Before Date" in November 2014. Nestlé India's current practice is to collect stock that is near "Best Before date" from distributors/retailers so 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. In the meantime it is important to note that there are no other orders to recall Maggi Noodle products in the market. People can be confident that Maggi Noodle products are safe to eat.

The quality and safety of our products are the top priorities for our company.

We have in place strict food safety and quality controls at our Maggi factories, 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 applicable food safety laws, as well as our own high standards of quality and safety before they reach our consumers.

We are aware of reports that tests by the local authorities have detected Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in a sample of Maggi Noodles and that they are continuing their investigation. We have submitted product samples to an independent accredited laboratory and will share the results with the authorities.

We do not add MSG to our Maggi Noodles sold in India and this is stated on the concerned product. However, 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.

Have your say. You can comment here.We are also aware of the reports of elevated levels of lead in a pack of Maggi Noodles analysed by the authorities. We regularly monitor for lead as part of our stringent quality control processes, including testing by accredited laboratories. These tests have consistently shown lead levels in Maggi Noodles to be within permissible limits. We have submitted product samples to an independent accredited laboratory and will share the results with the authorities.

Maharashtra FDA tests Maggi noodles

The tests will also ascertain whether the MSG level is as per the Gross Manufacturing Practices norms

Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) on Friday said tests of Maggi noodles samples collected from Mumbai and Nagpur would find out the exact quantity of monosodium glutamate in the popular snack.

Expected within a week, the reports would have inputs of food technologists and analysts.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is derived from some forms of seaweed or from tin, and is stabilised by mixing with water and salt.

Whether or not it causes serious ailments has been debated by researchers for much mid- to late 20th century.

An FDA official who did not want to be named told Business Standard: “Tests will reveal the extent of glutamic acid, leadand MSG levels in Maggi noodles. We shall know if the MSG level is according to the Gross Manufacturing Practices norms.”

He added the sample sent for the tests were from the products available at present in the market and not older ones.

State FDA minister Girish Bapat confirmed the tests and said the findings would be shared with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

Industry experts shared FDA’s view, saying the testing of MSG is crucial as a lot of method development issues are involved so as to differentiate the naturally occurring glutamic acid and synthetically manufactured MSG.

MSG, Lead In Maggi: After Uttar Pradesh, India's Favourite Snack Under Scanner In Another State

NEW DELHI — India’s favourite snack is under scanner in other states after the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) in Uttar Pradesh recently found high lead content in two dozen packets of Maggi, even as manufacturer Nestle India, which has been asked to recall about 200,000 packets of noodles, said it was safe for consumption.

The Hindustan Times reported that the Maharashtra state unit of the FDA is planning to conduct its own tests before “taking a drastic step such as recalling the product from the market”.

“We have collected samples of the product from different parts of the state such as Pune, Nagpur and Mumbai and have sent them to our laboratory for tests. The results will come in a couple of days, after which we will decide if there is a need to take action,” said Dr Harshdeep Kamble, state FDA commissioner, was quoted by the paper as saying.

Gujarat is also conducting independent tests to check if Maggi contains high lead content.

In a statement on Thursday, Nestle India, a subsidiary of Swiss-based Nestle SA, has said it did not agree with the UP government order asking it to recall a batch of Maggi, “and is filing the requisite representations with the authorities."

UP FDA officials said all the packets of instant noodles tested in the state-run laboratory were contaminated, reported Reuters.

Nestle India said the batch of about 200,000 packets of noodles it was being asked to recall were made in February last year and had already reached their "best-before" date last November, the Reuters report said.

It said it collects stock nearing best-before dates from distributors and retailers and was confident products from that batch were no longer on the market. Nestle India also said it had not received any other order to recall noodles currently being sold.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Food Safety Commissioner Vijay Bahadur was quoted by IANS as saying that 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.

"Quality and safety of our products are the top priorities for our company," Nestle said. The company also said: "People can be confident that Maggi noodle products are safe to eat."

The central food safety authority 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.

DINAKARAN NEWS

மத்திய அமைச்சர் ராம்விலாஸ் பஸ்வான் தகவல் குடிநீரில் கலப்படம் செய்தால் தண்டனை வழங்க புதிய சட்டம்

தஞ்சை, மே 23:

குடி நீ ரில் கலப் ப டம் செய் தால் தண் டனை விதிக் கும் புதிய சட்டம் கொண்டு வரப் ப டும் என்று மத் திய உண வுத் துறை அமைச் சர் ராம் வி லாஸ் பஸ் வான் தெரி வித் துள் ளார்.

தஞ் சை யில் நேற்று நடந் த விழா ஒன்றில் கலந் து கொண்ட மத் திய உண வுத் துறை அமைச் சர் ராம் வி லாஸ் பஸ் வான் பேசி ய தா வது:

மத் திய அரசு, பொது விநி யோக திட்டத் தின் கீழ் மாநி லங் களுக்கு ரூ.5 முதல் ரூ.8 வரை மானிய விலை யில் அரிசி வழங்கி வரு கி றது. இதி லி ருந்து பெறும் அரி சியை தமி ழக அரசு இல வ ச மாக விநி யோ கம் செய் கி றது. ஒரு நப ருக்கு 15 கிலோ வீதம் 4 பேர் கொண்ட குடும் பத் துக்கு 60 கிலோ தானி யம் வழங்க வேண் டும். தற் போது 20 கிலோ மட்டுமே குடும் பத் துக்கு வழங் கப் பட்டு வரு கி றது.

வட மா நி லங் களில் பனி, மழை யால் பயிர் கள் சேத ம டைந்து வரு கி றது. இத னால் எந்த தரத் தில் இருந் தா லும் தானி யத்தை கொள் மு தல் செய்ய வேண் டு மென விவ சா யி கள் கோரிக்கை வைத் த னர். அவர் களின் கோரிக் கையை ஏற்று எந்த தரத் தில் இருந் தா லும் உணவு தானி யத்தை கொள் மு தல் செய்ய உத் த ர வி டப் பட்டுள் ளது. நமது நாட்டில் 10 சத வீ தம் உணவு உற் பத் தியை மட்டுமே மத் திய அரசு கொள் மு தல் செய் கி றது. மற்ற உற் பத் தியை மாநில அர சு கள் கொள் மு தல் செய்து வரு கி றது. மத் திய அரசு மூலம் பொது வி நி யோக திட்டத் துக்கு வழங் கும் பொருட் கள் தர மா ன தாக உள் ளது. ஆனால் மாநில அரசு, தர மில் லாத பொருட் களை கொள் மு தல் செய் வ தால் அந்த அரசு சார் பில் ரேஷன் கடை யில் விநி யோ கிக் கும் பொருட் களில் குறை பாடு இருக் கி றது.

நுகர் வோர் நலனை கருத் தில் கொண்டு புதிய சட்டம் கொண்டு வரப் ப டும். மாநில, மாவட்டங் களில் உள்ள நுகர் வோர் நீதி மன் றங் களின் செயல் பாடு சரி யில்லை. குடி நீ ரில் கலப் ப டம் செய் தால் சிறை தண் டனை என்ற புதிய சட்டம் கொண்டு வரப் ப டும். இந்த சட்டத் தின் மூலம் வழக்கு தொடுத் த வர் மட்டு மல் லாது இந்த குடி நீரை அருந் து வ தால் பாதிப்பு ஏற் பட்ட வர் களுக் கும் நிவா ர ணம் கிடைக்க வழி வகை செய் யும்.

இவ்வாறு கூறினார்.