 "FSSAI proposes double ash content in noodles")
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a draft notification proposing doubling of permitted ash content in noodles and pasta. Ash content is now allowed up to one per cent. The new notification has proposed to increase it to two per cent for seasonings or tastemakers.
Recently, the presence of excess ash in various noodle samples was reported by the Uttar Pradesh State Food and Drug Authority. District official Sanjay Singh at Barabanki alleged total ash content in samples of prominent noodle brands like Ching's (1.83 per cent), Hindustan Unilever's Knorr Soupy Noodles (1.89 per cent) and Foodles (2.37 per cent) from GSK Healthcare were higher than the permissible limit.
Nestle' Maggi instant noodle came under the state regulator's scanner in March this year as it was found to contain 85 per cent higher ash than the permitted level.
The regulator has also sought comments on various other food and vegetable products such as coconut milk and cream, cocoa bean, betelnut and dried apricot. It has asked for public comments and suggestions on the subjects within next 30 days.
