Nestle fined after tests show high ash content in noodles
Regulators say they found excess ash and flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) in seized samples of the noodle packs.
Thursday 30 November 2017 11:07, UK
Nestle India has been hit with a hefty fine for selling substandard instant noodles after tests found high ash content in its popular Maggi brand.
The firm was ordered to pay 4.5 million rupees (£52,000) after samples were tested in a 2015 case. The Indian court also fined the company's distributors 2.6 million rupees (£30,000).
The case against the Swiss food giant's Indian unit is one of several brought by regulators after they found excess ash and flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) in samples seized in the state of Uttar Pradesh between 2015 and 2016.
Nestlé India has said it will appeal the decision.
A company spokesman said: "This appears to be a case of application of incorrect standards, and we will file an appeal urgently once we receive the order."
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Maggi Noodles - Nestle India's biggest earner - was banned in June 2015 for six months following allegations it contained chemicals beyond the allowed limits.
The manufacturer was forced to recall 38,000 tonnes of noodles from millions of shelves to destroy them.
In a statement issued to Paste BN Nestle said: "We strongly reiterate that MAGGI Noodles are 100% safe for consumption. While we have not received the orders passed by the adjudication officer, we have been informed that the samples are of year 2015 and the issue pertains to 'ash content' in Noodles. This appears to be a case of application of incorrect standards, and we will file an appeal urgently once we receive the order."