SC Orders More Tests on Maggi; Says ‘Youngsters Buy Noodles’

SC asked Mysore lab to clarify whether MSG and lead levels in Maggi are within permissible limits.

In June, FSSAI had banned Maggi noodles, saying it was “unsafe and hazardous”. (Photo Courtesy: www.maggi.in)

The Supreme Court asked the government lab in Mysore to further clarify whether test reports relating to lead and glutamic acid in Maggi noodles are within permissible parameters under the law. The court said the entire exercise has to be carried out within eight weeks and posted the matter for April 5.

The Supreme Court expressed concern about safety of younger generation, saying, “We are concerned about this as it is mostly youngsters who consume Maggi.”

The apex court passed the order after perusing two communications received from the Mysore laboratory which had carried out the test about the monosodium glutamate (MSG) content in the samples.

While Nestle India, makers of Maggi, claimed that the lead content was within the permissible limit prescribed under the Food Safety Act, the Centre said there was a need for comprehensive findings of all other parameters.

Maggi made a comeback in November after a gap of five months after a Bombay High Court order removed a ban on the 2-minutes noodles. Following the high court order, the food safety regulator FSSAI had moved the Supreme Court.

(With agency inputs)