NEW DELHI: With Maggi continuing to be off the shelves in the market place, government today said its manufacturer Nestle was “not forthcoming” on giving reasons for the high MSG levels found in some of the packages.
Health Minister J P Nadda said in Lok Sabha that the government did not ban Maggi but had asked Nestle to recall the product and give reasons for the high Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) level found in it.
“They are yet to reply. They are not forthcoming,” the Minister said during Question Hour.
Observing that government was committed to maintain safety and wholesomeness of the food item as well as the growth of the food processing industry, he said the enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act and regulations was “in overall public interest.”
He said the Maggi samples were examined following uniform protocol, which was even prescribed by its producer Nestle.
“Tests were being done following the prescribed standards. Even Nestle did not question about the facilities available in our labs. There is no variation in facilities, variation is in tests,” the Minister said.
Nadda said if a particular batch of Maggi was found containing the permissible level of MSG, the sample passes the test and if any particular batch had higher MSG level, then it does not.
The MSG PPM level was high in Maggi samples examined in laboratories in Tamil Nadu, Uttarkhand, Madhya Pradesh and some other places.
“Tests conducted in Goa did not fail. Kerala tests also did not fail. There was export of Maggi from the Nestle’s Goa unit. So, it reflected that some producing units of Nestle maintain high standard, some do not. We are for more stringent monitoring,” he said. The Minister said there was no compromise on food safety and security but at the same time government would have to ensure that the industry also does not suffer.
“Products are examined under prescribed protocol. Tests are also being done in UK but Nestle did not share with us what protocol was followed in the UK. Cooperation from both sides is required besides self regulation,” he said.
Replying to a supplementary, Nadda said government was committed for the growth of the food processing industry but cooperation of the industry is also required.
The sector’s growth is influenced by a number of factors such as demand and supply, macro-economic environment, prices, availability of raw materials, global trends, consumer sentiment and regulatory environment.
Nadda said establishment of food testing laboratories was the government’s priority and more such testing facilities would be set up in the coming days, adding that as of now there are 78 state laboratories and 88 private laboratories across the country.
Replying to another question, Nadda said the government has no problems if new brands come to the market following the food safety standards.–PTI
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