The production of Maggi noodles at Nestle’s Nanjangud plant has been “temporarily stopped” to facilitate “annual maintenance” of the unit, according to a factory representative. Coming close on the heels of the nationwide storm over the presence of lead and the consequent ban issued on the product by many States, the explanation for the “temporary closure” drew scepticism. However, a Nestle India spokesperson confirmed that production had been stopped at the Nanjangud plant as the product was being withdrawn from the market. In view of the present situation, it makes sense to scale back production, said the spokesperson.
The Nanjangud plant manufactures instant coffee, besides noodles and there are nearly 300 employees working here. The Nanjangud plant, which saw an investment of over Rs. 360 crore, was inaugurated in 2011 by the then Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa.
Meanwhile, a release issued by Nestlé India said that it had decided to take the product off the shelves nationwide in view of recent developments and concerns around the product, which had led to an environment of confusion for the consumer. “This, Nestlé believes, does not provide a conducive environment to have the product in the market, at this moment,” the release added. The release claimed that Nestlé applied the same quality standards and the same food safety and quality assurance systems everywhere in the world and this also prominently applied to Maggi noodles in India.
Nestlé India has said that it will take the product off the shelves nationwide in view of recent developments
