Nestle pulls Maggi off shelves

Maggi is being withdrawn from all markets across India. "We will be back" says the company.

Following allegations that Maggi noodles contained lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG) in excess of permissible limits, Nestle India has decided to pull the product off shelves. The company says its product is "completely safe" and has been trusted in India for over 30 years, but due to "unfounded concerns", it is being withdrawn across the country.

Maggi recently came under the scanner after samples collected by the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration from Barabanki were reported to contain MSG and lead above the permissible limits. Delhi, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Gujarat followed UP's lead. Taking a cue, Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu placed a temporary ban on Maggi noodles. Goa and Maharashtra however, have given a clean chit to the product which is under countrywide scrutiny.

Legal notices were also served to Amitabh Bachhan, Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta for endorsing Maggi as a healthy snack. "The trust of our consumers and the safety of our products is our first priority. Maggi will be back in the market as soon as the current situation is clarified," said the company communique.