NEW DELHI // Nestle said it was withdrawing its Maggi instant noodles from sale in India Friday after a scare over excess lead content that has seen the hugely popular snack burnt on the streets and temporarily banned in several states.
As it tried to contain the growing scandal, the world’s top packaged food maker said although Maggi noodles were safe, it had decided to withdraw them because “unfounded concerns” had led to an “environment of confusion”.
At least six states including New Delhi have announced temporary bans on the sale of the instant noodles in the last few days, after officials said test results showed high lead levels.
Protesters in Kolkata on Thursday burnt packets of the noodles in protest, underscoring the scale of public anger.
“Unfortunately, recent developments and unfounded concerns about the product have led to an environment of confusion for the consumer,” Nestle India said in a statement.
“We have decided to withdraw the product off the shelves, despite the product being safe.”
Nestle has been selling its Maggi brand in India for three decades and has 80 per cent of the country’s instant noodle market.
The product — marketed as a quick and healthy snack — grew increasingly popular as more and more Indians moved away from their homes to study or seek work.
It emerged as one of India’s five most trusted brands in a consumer survey conducted last year.
Several celebrities have endorsed Maggi over the years, including the Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan.
* Agence France-Presse