KATHMANDU: The government imposed temporary ban on the sale of Mayos instant noodles, produced by Himalayan Snax and Noodles Private Limited.

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) said the ban was imposed after a significant amount of monosodium glutamate (MSG) was found in the samples of Nepali noodles collected from the market.

Though the noodle packets highlighted “No added MSG”, less than one per cent of the compound was found in the food product, according to the DFTQC.

It, however, has maintained that glutamate is found in food items naturally also.

The company, hence, has been urged to furnish evidences, within two months, that no external glutamate has been added to the noodles.

MSG is added in food products as a condiment to boost their taste. It, however, causes adverse effects including headache, flushing, sweating and facial pressure, according to health researches.

The DFTQC has warned that it would take action against the company as per the Food Act, 1967 and the Food Regulations, 1970, if the latter failed to provide evidences by the deadline.

The company has also been directed to recall already distributed products from the market within two months.

Ban on Maggi continues

Meanwhile, the DFTQC said it has continued ban imposed on Maggi noodles, produced by Nestle India Limited.

The product was banned in the Nepali market since June 4 after reports said that the product has excessive amount of lead.

However, the DFTQC test found that amount of lead in the noodle was below the ceiling set in Nepal by the Act – 2.5 parts per million (ppm).

But, like Mayos, the Indian brand also contained monosodium glutamate (MSG) notwithstanding “No added MSG” label on its packaging, according to the Department.

Importers of the Indian brand have been directed to collect evidences from the producer that artificial glutamate has not been added to the noodles at the company and furnish them to the Department at the earliest.

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