CFTRI has cleared all samples of Maggi: Nestle

NEW DELHI: Foods firm Nestle said on Monday that the CFTRI (Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru) has cleared all samples of its instant snack brand Maggi noodles, stating that all 29 samples tested by the research institute are clear.

“The reports state that lead levels for all samples are within permissible limits. The second batch of 16 samples were tested not only for lead and flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG), but also for other safety parameters like metal contaminants, crop contaminants and toxic substances, that are applicable to instant noodles as a proprietary food. Every single sample was found compliant,” Nestle said in a statement.

Maggi noodles was banned by national food regulator Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in June last year on allegations of more than permissible lead and traces of MSG. The brand returned to stores in November after clearing multiple mandatory lab tests.

The foods maker further added that CFTRI has clarified that glutamic acid can be due to presence of ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, hydrolyzed plant protein and vegetable protein.

Nestle said the CFTRI reports are in line with its stated position that it doesn’t add MSG as an additive in Maggi and that the presence of glutamic acid comes from ingredients used in the noodles.