The samples of Maggi noodles, already tested at the two National Accreditation Board for Testing (NABL)-certified laboratories in Bengaluru, are being sent for testing at the Central Food Laboratory (CFL) in Kolkata, said Minister for Health and Family Welfare U.T. Khader here on Wednesday.
“As these are private laboratories, we want tests to be done by a government lab and hence we are sending it to the CFL in Kolkata,” Mr. Khader told presspersons.
He said the two NABL-accredited laboratories have found traces of glutamic acid (a component of MSG) in the samples tested.
“We have sent both the reports to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and sought clarifications.” Based on the FSSAI’s advice and the CFL report, further action would be taken, the Minister said.
No traces of lead was found in the first test of samples carried out by the Robust Materials Technologies Pvt. Ltd in Bengaluru’s Nagarabhavi. The second test, done by TUV SUD firm in Peenya, found traces of MSG in the samples. “We have sent both the reports to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and sought clarifications, among others, about the amount of MSG that is permitted.”
Based on FSSAI’s advice and the CFL laboratory report further action will be taken, the Minister said. Karnataka has temporarily banned stocking and sale of Maggi noodles.
