A packet of Maggi noodles.
Widening its probe into alleged lapses of food safety standards in Maggi noodles, the government on Monday said it is testing samples from all states and strict action will be taken for any violation, including against brand ambassadors of the famous brand of Nestle.
The tests are being done by the central food safety regulator FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) and the reports are expected to come in the next 2-3 days.
A case has been lodged against Nestle India by UP food regulator FSDA in a local court at Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh over safety standards of its product Maggi, while actors Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta were also separately dragged to court for promoting the 'two-minute' noodles brand.
"In case of Maggi, we have gathered information. UP Food department has investigated and they have found monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead. Now, FSSAI has taken up the issue. It will take the action," Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said in Delhi at a press conference organised to highlight the one-year achievements of the ministry.
Nestle has maintained that it does not agree with the UP food regulator's order and it "is filing the requisite representations with the authorities".
Elaborating on the issue, Consumer Affairs Additional Secretary G Gurucharan said: "FSSAI has taken samples from every state. Testing is going on. Not only MSG and lead, all other parameters are being tested."
He said that some test reports were expected as early as today, and the rest could come in the next 2-3 days.
"If any violations are found in the sample report, both FSSAI and the Consumer Affairs Department through NCDRC will take some class action," Mr Gurucharan said.
On action to be taken against Maggi brand ambassadors, he said, "Yes, they would be liable for action if advertisements are found to be misleading."
While Amitabh Bachchan today said he no more endorses the brand, Madhuri Dixit recently met Nestle officials in this regard and said the company has assured her about the quality of the product.