State-owned Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco) on Tuesday decided not to sell Maggi instant noodles at its outlets.
The decision was taken by State Food Minister Anoop Jacob in the wake of reports that food safety inspectors in Uttar Pradesh have filed a criminal complaint against Nestle's local arm after finding a high level of lead in some packets of Maggi instant noodles.
Ordering an immediate halt to its sales, Jacob instructed officials to return the noodles to the supplier.
State-owned Supplyco has 1,424 outlets across Kerala.
The minister's order, however, was not directed at banning the product in the state.
Officials said that the state cabinet that meets every Wednesday is expected to take a call on whether a statewide ban on Maggie is needed.
