Inform us of stand on imposing ban on Maggi noodles:HC to govt

Kochi, Jun 8: The Kerala High Court today asked the state government to inform it of its stand regarding imposing a ban on Maggi noodles in the state.

A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice A M Saffique directed the government to file an affidavit informing them of their stand on the issue while considering a petition by one Thampi Subrahmanian from Kochi.

Subrahmanian contended that several states had banned Maggi noodles, but the food product was easily available in Kerala markets yesterday also.

The petitioner argued that the state authorities and food safety commissioner have a responsibility to see that only safe foods are sold in Kerala.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India had on Friday ordered for recall of all variants of Nestle India's Maggi noodles, terming them as "unsafe and hazardous" for human consumption.

Maggi noodles have been withdrawn from the markets after several states banned it as tests showed that it contained taste enhancer MSG (Monosodium glutamate) and lead in excess of the permissible limits.

PTI