Resources for Journalists: MAGGI Noodles in India

Read the latest statement by Nestlé India

MAGGI Noodles in India: Test results explained

Health and safety of our consumers is our highest priority. We have built our reputation around the world for 150 years by providing products that meet the highest food quality and safety standards. Nestlé has been in India for over 103 years and MAGGI Noodles has been a trusted brand in the country for over 33 years.

We strongly reiterate that MAGGI Noodles have always been safe for consumption as demonstrated by tests carried out in independent accredited laboratories, our own accredited laboratories (over 3500 samples have been tested) and by six (including USA, UK and Singapore) national food authorities. As per the directions of Hon’ble High Court of Mumbai, samples were tested at accredited laboratories and were found to be in order.

On 13 January, 2016, the Hon’ble Supreme Court directed the NABL accredited Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) to clarify if the results of sample tests on MAGGI Noodles show lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG) levels to be within permissible limits. The results were forwarded to the Supreme Court directly on April 11, which state that the 29 tested samples showed lead levels within permissible levels. It also clarified that that no prescribed level for MSG exists and it can be used under Good Manufacturing Practices in permitted food products.

We have received test results from all three laboratories mandated by the Hon’ble Bombay High Court to test MAGGI Noodles. All 90 samples - covering six variants - were found safe for consumption, with lead levels well within the permissible limits.

In compliance with the orders of the Bombay High Court, we began manufacturing MAGGI Noodles and submitted the new batches for testing as well. All three NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accredited laboratories have reconfirmed that MAGGI Noodles are safe for consumption.

Now that the orders of the Bombay High Court have been complied with, Nestlé India is working towards making MAGGI Noodles available for sale by the end of November 2015.

We have always maintained that MAGGI Noodles are safe. Nestlé India has conducted over 3,500 tests, representing over 200 million packs, in both national as well as international accredited laboratories and all reports are clear. In addition to these, various countries including USA, UK, Singapore, Australia and others have found MAGGI Noodles manufactured in India safe for consumption.

The noodles made for the export market are the same as those sold in India, although Canada requires a different kind of salt to be used. Packaging materials are designed to meet the regulatory requirements of each importing country.

Food standards authorities in the USA, Canada, UK, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand have all tested samples of MAGGI Noodles and confirmed that they are safe to eat. Read more about tests conducted by other countries confirming MAGGI Noodles are safe to eat.

Nestlé began operating in India in 1912 and has been manufacturing locally since 1961. We employ 7,000 people directly, and have 300 quality assurance analysts. R&D India is Nestlé’s global R&D hub for noodles, including MAGGI.

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