Sale of Maggi instant noodles made in India suspended by AVA

Singapore importers have been ordered to suspend the sale of Maggi brand instant noodles produced in India, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) said on Thursday (June 4).

This comes after India banned the sale of the noodles for 15 days after high levels of lead were discovered in batches tested in New Delhi and the state of Uttar Pradesh.

The AVA said "a small amount" of Maggi brand instant noodles from India have been imported into Singapore, reported The Straits Times.

As a precautionary measure, the AVA has taken samples of the instant noodles for food safety tests and advised affected importers to withhold sales until tests are completed.

The AVA added that food products that fail tests will not be allowed for sale.

'Fully comply with local food laws'

Nestle Singapore said on Friday (June 5) afternoon: "All Nestle Singapore’s product ingredients fully comply with local food laws and regulations."

It added: "We understand that some consumers are concerned by reports that the authorities in India have found elevated levels of lead in a sample pack of Maggi Noodles.

"The trust of our consumers and the safety of our products is our first priority.

"In spite of Maggi Noodles being completely safe, Nestle India has decided to take the products off the shelves.

"Nestle India reassures consumers that the trusted Maggi Noodles will be back in the market as soon as the current situation is clarified."

Source: The Straits Times