Avoid using Maggi for time being, says JK govt

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government today advised people to desist for time being from consuming Maggi noodles and ordered tests on its samples collected from across the districts, following reports of high lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG) content in the popular snack.

Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Minister Choudhary Zulfkar Ali directed Directors of CAPD Kashmir and Jammu to randomly collect the samples of Maggi noodles from different districts and send them for laboratory testing, an official spokesman said.

The minister had asked for results within two days.

The directions came after allegations of lapses in following food safety standards and reports of high lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG) content a taste enhancer in Maggi noodles in various states, the spokesman said.

Maggi noodles was today banned in Delhi for 15 days and Army personnel were asked to avoid the popular instant snack while Big Bazaar outlets stopped its sale.

"Protecting interests of consumers is our duty and we will not allow selling of any food items which are not fit for consumption," the spokesman said, quoting the minister, and appealed the general public not to consume the noodles until the results were found to be satisfactory.

The J-K government would take further course of action after receiving the test reports, he added.