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Karnataka to test Maggi noodles samples; sending samples to CFL Kolkata
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Thursday, 04 June, 2015, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Nandita Vijay, Bengaluru
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fiogf49gjkf0d Karnataka government has ordered random pick-up of samples of Maggi noodles from across the state for laboratory testing after allegations of lapses in food safety standards.
"We have directed officials to randomly lift the samples of Maggi noodles from the (manufacturing) units and retail shops, across the state for laboratory testing," stated U T Khader, health and family welfare minister, Karnataka.
The collected samples would be sent to national-level laboratory units situated in Mysuru and another private laboratory in Bengaluru to test if Lead content in the noodles was in excess or within the safety limits.
According to CSIR-CFTRI, the noodles will not be tested at its lab but at the Central Food Laboratory, Kolkata. There are three such designated labs in the country at Mysuru, Pune, and Kolkata. “The CFL at Mysuru is set up within CSIR-CFTRI but will not undertake the test primarily because it is from within the state,” revealed Dr P Ramesh Kumar, head, information and publicity, CFTRI, while speaking to FnB News.
Although the state government called for analysis of samples, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandated that Maggi noodle packs be tested at NABL labs, he added. It is pertinent to note that the Central government had asked Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to test samples of the product from all states.
Meanwhile, the minister informed, "We are expecting test results from the labs in a day or two. Till then, we advise people to avoid buying or consuming them (Maggi noodles) though we have not imposed any ban on its sale in the state."
He pointed out, “The Central government has also asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to test samples of Maggi noodles from all states," and added, "If need be, we will send the samples to laboratories situated in other states - that could include Kerala. However, we have not taken any decision on it."
When asked whether the government would take stringent action against the company if found guilty, he replied, "In that case, the law will take its own course."
Maggi noodles came under the scanner last month after the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration asked Nestle India to withdraw a batch of the noodles "which were manufactured in February 2014" after it found high levels of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and Lead in the samples.
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