Maggi row: Karnataka testing all instant noodles, says Minister

Bengaluru, June 3: The Karnataka government was testing all kinds of instant noodles, including Maggi, following the controversy over samples containing lead beyond permissible limits, Health Minister U.T. Khader said on Wednesday.

"Not only Maggi, we are testing all kinds of noodles, so action will be taken on all types of noodles if they fail in the tests," Khader said at a press conference here.

"For us, the company is not important, health of society is important. If tests fail, it is understood that the government will ban it (noodles brands)," he added.

Instant noodles brands sold in India include Nestle's Maggi, Sunfeast's Yippee, Smith and Jones, Ching's, Top Ramen and Horlicks Foodles.

More than 20 samples have been sent to the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) and two other private labs for testing, he said.

"I instructed the department (CFTRI) to get a report within 48 hours."

Until then, the people of Karnataka are requested not to buy or sell Maggi noodles, the minister. "I am requesting people and sellers not to buy or sell Maggi."

IANS