Maggi is an international brand established in 1947. It is deep-fried so it is difficult to digest. It has high levels of Sodium, which will raise your blood pressure and is bad for the heart as well. Maggi maker Nestle has admitted that there are toxic ingredients in it that are harmful to health, which is added to foods for enhancing its flavor.
Indian food safety authorities banned the production and sale of Maggi, claiming that there were high levels of lead.
Nestle: Yes, Maggi Has Toxic Elements
Nestle’s lawyers have admitted that toxic elements such as lead and MSG can be found in Maggi’s test results after the Supreme Court allowed its case against Nestle to be reopened and reinstated.
These tests were conducted by CFTRI (Central Food Technology Research Institute, Mysuru).
What is Maggi’s controversy?
The controversy started when some samples of Maggi were examined in many labs in Uttar Pradesh and found that noodles had a high amount of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead. It was found that Maggi contains 17 ppm lead, while the acceptable limit is only 0.01 ppm. As a result, the Food Safety and Drug Administration wrote to the Indian Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI), to take strong action against the company.
After this, the state regulator took further steps and requested FSSAI to collect samples from all over India so that the quality of the product could be ensured. All of us were so much fond of Maggi, but now is the time to be careful. I am writing this article so that people can be aware of this fact and take precautions accordingly.
What is monosodium glutamate (MSG)?
Monosodium glutamate is an amino acid used as a food additive. It is usually used to increase flavor and is mainly used in Chinese food, canned vegetables, soup, and processed meats. MSG is a popular food additive for years and it is usually considered safe when used in limited quantities. But too much MSG can cause serious problems in your diet.
What are the harmful effects of this additive?
MSG is harmful if it is often used, especially for children. It can cause weight gain, brain damage, and liver inflammation and other serious health effects. When MSG is consumed for a long time, it can also damage the nervous system. MSG does not conform to everyone and reacts differently to different people. This can cause swelling, water retention and ultimately increase weight. Finally, we have seen that MSG affects nerves, destroys the nervous system and can cause long-term problems.
Some facts to sale of Maggi
- 5.2 billion Maggi noodle packs are sold every year in the world
- There are about 130 countries where Maggi is being sold
- The gross domestic sales of Nestle in India, 2014 was Rs 10,129 Crore.
- The gross domestic sales of Nestle segment, 2014 were Rs 2,961 crore which comprised of Maggi
Maggi Was Banned Due To MSG
In June 2015, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned the sale of Maggi in India, which was found in the higher amount of MSG content in sample tests. Over this, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs filed a complaint in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) under Section 12 (1) (d) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. On this issue, a loss of Rs 640 crore was sought from Maggi. Additional cases were filed by consumers regarding unfair trade practices, and to sell ‘Maggi oats noodles’ without prior approval. However, Nestle had removed the ban in November 2015 after challenging the ban on inconsistent laboratory results. The Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has filed a new lawsuit against Nestle before the Supreme Court, and the lawyers have admitted to using MSG during the latest hearing. Now, in case the Bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud is confident that Maggi was aware of MSG content, and despite this, if he allowed the sale, then Maggi could be banned again in India.
The company’s global chief executive Paul Bulcke met regulators and addressed the media in New Delhi. Bulcke said, This is a matter of clarification and we need to sit down together and clear the confusion and doubt, We do not add MSG to Maggi noodles, we apply the same quality standards everywhere. Whatever we do, we keep consumers in mind. We will do everything it takes, and are fully connected with the authorities. “