Since the Maggi controversy, Central Food safety regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority in India (FSSAI) has requested state food commissioners to inspect and evaluate all packaged products sold in markets across the country.
A source said that there are hundreds of packaged food products sold in the country that are not registered and need to be evaluated.
During their meeting, suggestions were raised proposing that the state food safety commissioners should get ready to gather samples of all the packaged products including those who are not registered with FSSAI.
FSSAI gave a list of 500 products, which were rejected in April 30, 2015, to the food safety commissioners. The state officials were also ordered to take action if needed.
According to Daily Mail, Delhi's food safety department had issued a comprehensive proposal to the AAP government to enhance the condition of their laboratories and increase manpower.
KK Jindal, commissioner of the department of food and safety, said that they have been waiting for the government's respond to their proposal.
"We have asked the government to look into the proposal and see if we can build the remaining wings of the laboratory. The laboratory needs to be upgraded so that tests can be performed faster and results are more accurate," added Jindal.
Mail Today reported that there is a shortage of food inspectors and food analysts in the department, with 60% of food inspector and 70% of food analyst posts being vacant for almost a year now.
The food department of Delhi has gathered 21 samples of other brands of the snack, including various brands of chips and Kurkure which are also under supervision of the authorities. The department is expecting to test food items over the next two months.
FFSAI has banned Nestle's Maggi because it was found to be 'unsafe and hazardous' after the tests discovered presence of lead and Monosodium glutamate in the food. Nestle removed all instant noodles brand from the market.
FFSAI also ordered the testing of noodles, pastas and macaroni brands, namely Top Ramen, Foodles, Wai Wai, to check their compliance of norms.
