Indo Nissin on Monday announced withdrawal of its instant noodles brand, Top Ramen, from the Indian market on orders from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Earlier this month, Nestle had to recall Maggi noodles, while Hindustan Unilever (HUL) withdrew its Knorr instant noodles brand over safety and regulatory issues.
On June 8, the FSSAI issued an advisory on product safety testing of all instant noodle products in the country, after it found Maggi noodles to be containing lead and taste enhancer monosodium glutamate beyond permissible limits.
"At that time, we had sought clarification from FSSAI, since Top Ramen product approval is pending with the regulator. They have requested us to withdraw the product until they give the product approval," Indo Nissin Foods Pvt Ltd Managing Director Gautam Sharma said.
He added Top Ramen was extensively tested in the past few weeks after product safety concerns arose in the category. "We have tested at two FSSAI accredited independent laboratories and shared the results with FSSAI a few weeks ago. While many Top Ramen samples have been tested by various state FDAs (food and drug administration) across India, only in two cases - slightly higher lead level has been found in the tastemaker," he added.
Sharma said the company was meeting state FDAs and sharing test results with them as well as seeking a re-test.
Instant noodles have attracted the attention of regulators after FSSAI banned Nestle India's Maggi noodles.
Earlier this month, the regulator ordered testing of noodles, pastas and macaroni brands such as Top Ramen, Foodles and Wai Wai sold and manufactured by seven companies to check compliance of norms. These include Nestle India, ITC, Indo Nissin, GSK Consumer Healthcare, CG Foods India, Ruchi International and AA Nutrition.
Nestle had destroyed Maggi noodles worth Rs 320 crore after the withdrawal.
Further, global cafe chain Starbucks had to stop use of ingredients not approved by the regulator in certain products served at its India outlets.
