After Maggi controversy, Indo Nissin on Monday announced withdrawal of its instant noodles brand Top Ramen from the Indian market on orders from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Earlier this month, Nestle had to recall Maggi noodles, while Hindustan Unilever also withdrew its Knorr instant noodles brand over safety and regulatory issues.
On June 8, FSSAI had come out with the advisory on product safety testing of all instant noodle products in India after lead beyond permissible limits in Maggi noodles along with taste enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG).
“At that time we had sought clarification from FSSAI since Top Ramen product approval is pending with the regulator. They have requested us to withdraw the product until they give the product approval,” Indo Nissin Foods Pvt. Ltd. Managing Director Gautam Sharma said in a statement.
“We have tested at two FSSAI-accredited independent laboratories and shared the results with FSSAI a few weeks ago. While many Top Ramen samples have been tested by various State FDAs across India, only in two cases — slightly higher lead level has been found in the tastemaker,” he added.