In a major relief to the FMCG major Nestle India, the ban on its Maggi Noodles has been removed with immediate effect in Gujarat.
As per the directions by the State, the Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) on Monday formally announced the removal of ban.
The controversial noodles was banned by various state governments for quality issues with regard to the ingredients and the presence of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead content being allegedly above the permissible limits.
Maggi cleared the tests in three laboratories designated by the Bombay High Court a couple of days ago.
This has paved way for the multinational firm to relaunch its noodle brands in the country. Even as there was no ban on the sale of Maggi in Gujarat since August, it was not available on the shelves.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Government also has lifted the ban on Maggi noodles.
“In the wake of uncertainty and as there is also no clarity on what is the permissible limits of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead in Maggi noodles for the ban to continue, we decided to withdraw the ban,” Karnataka Minister for Health and Family Welfare UT Khader told reporters.
“The State had sent two batches of samples to Kolkata laboratory. We are yet to get reports from them,” he added.
Talking about the Nestle resuming its production at its plant at Nanjangud in Mysuru district, Khader said: “it is left to the discretion of the company as to when it wants to resume.”
The minister clarified that the “Government will not allow marketing of any ‘old’ stock into the market. Fresh product would be allowed into the market after rigorous tests.”
“But the state government will henceforth check the batches and install mechanism to conduct periodic tests in the market,” he added.
Maggi, which had become a popular instant noodles brand, was banned earlier this year in June following directive of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).