Maggi aftermath: Noodle brand Top Ramen off shelves

By NewsGram Staff Writer

What began as a routine inspection of the two minute noodles, has now snowballed into a storm wiping off another major brand from the consumer shelves.

Indo Nissin Foods Ltd. on Monday announced the withdrawing of its instant noodles brand Top Ramen from the market on the direction of regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

"We are withdrawing our instant noodles Top Ramen from the market as our application for regulator approval is still pending with the FSSAI," a company official told IANS.

The city-based company sought clarification from the regulator on its June 8 advisory on product safety testing of all instant noodles after it ordered Nestle India on June 5 to recall all nine approved variants of Maggi noodles.

"The regulator has directed us to withdraw our product till it (FSSAI) clarifies to our query and gives approval to Top Ramen noodles," the official added.

After Maggi withdrew its varieties of noodles, leading FMCG major Hindustan Unilever also pulled out its Knorr instant noodles brand over safety issues.

Global cafe chain Starbucks has also stopped using ingredients not approved by the regulator in certain products served at its India outlets.

Indo Nissin Foods Ltd. managing director Gautam Sharma said the company tested its noodles after safety concerns of ready-made food products became a public issue.

"Testing of our noodles at accredited labs in the city showed that lead levels in two cases was slightly higher in their tastemaker," Sharma admitted.

The heightened activity from FMCG companies comes after the central regulatory body came out with the advisory on product safety testing of all instant noodle products in India on June 8.

Tests in certain states had revealed the presence of lead beyond permissible limits and taste enhancer Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in Maggi noodles.