Special Quality Inspection Team to Check
Packaged Food Products
Samples of Nestlé’s Maggi noodles were found to be containing more than the permissible limit of 2.5 ppm of lead and also violating the labeling requirements about presence of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). Based on the test results reported from different states, confirming presence of Lead beyond permissible limit, an order dated 05.06.2015 was issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) directing M/s Nestle India Ltd. to recall its Maggi Noodles.
The implementation and enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 primarily rests with the State/UT Governments. FSSAI regularly takes up the issue of enforcement of the provisions of the Act and the rules and regulations there under with the State/UT authorities through written communications and interactions during the meetings of the Central Advisory Committee, which also comprises the Commissioners of Food Safety of all states and UTs, for effective implementation of the Act and the rules and regulations there under.
Surveillance, monitoring, inspection, random sampling and testing of food products are undertaken by the officials of Food Safety Departments of the respective States/ UTs to ensure compliance with the standards laid down under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Rules and Regulations made thereunder. In cases, where food samples are found to be non-conforming to the prescribed standards/regulations, action is taken as per provisions of the FSS Act, 2006.
The FSSAI vide its communication dated 25th May, 2015 advised all the States/UTs to draw samples of the Maggi Noodles (Nestle) and get the same tested from authorized labs. The FSSAI had also advised the Commissioners of Food Safety of all the States/UTs vide its communication dated 8th June, 2015 to draw and test the samples of Noodles and allied products of other brands as well.
The Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
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MV/BK