Nestle India rejects reports of excess lead in MAGGI noodles

June 02, 2015 (LBO) –After Indian authorities claimed to have established that Maggi noodles contains excessive levels of lead in MAGGI noodles, Nestle India said their extensive testing has revealed that no excess lead in tested noodles.





“We have submitted samples of MAGGI Noodles from almost 600 product batches to an external laboratory for independent analysis and we tested samples from almost 1,000 batches at our accredited laboratory,” Nestle India said in a statement. “These samples represent around 125 million packets.

All the results of these internal and external tests show that lead levels are well within the limits specified by food regulations and that MAGGI noodles are safe to eat.” The controversy came after the Department of Food and Drug Administration of Uttar Pradesh last month asking Nestle India to withdraw a batch of these noodles manufactured in February 2014 after it found lead and high levels of a taste enhancer called monosodium glutamate (MSG) beyond permissible limits. “The sample came from a batch that had an expiry date of November 2014 and is therefore no longer in the market.





” Nestle India said. Even though the company said there is no excess lead in its product, the company pointed out that Glutamate contained in the product produces a positive test result in a test for MSG.

“We do not add the flavour enhancer MSG (E621) to MAGGI Noodles sold in India.



However the product contains glutamate derived from hydrolysed groundnut protein, onion powder and wheat flour,” “Glutamate produces a positive test result in a test for MSG.” Nestle India said. The company further added that they are fully cooperating with the authorities who are conducting further tests and awaiting their results.