After five months after its recall, Nestle is finally putting back Maggi noodles back on the shelves in India.
Back in May, the production and sale of Maggi noodles were banned by Indian food safety authorities after allegations that the products had hazardous levels of lead.
According to BBC, "the ban was overturned in the Bombay High Court in August."
Suresh Narayanan, the new Chairman and Managing Director for Nestle India Ltd., told the publication that the tests done on the noodles were "highly unreliable."
Additionally, Narayanan also noted that the laboratories that tested Maggi noodles "had not been accredited."
In a company statement issued on Monday, Suresh Narayanan commented on the return of Maggi Noodles, saying:
"The return of MAGGI Noodles on the auspicious eve of Deepawali and on the day of Dhanteras is a moment of celebration for all of us! MAGGI Noodles has very special relationships and strong emotional bonds with its consumers across the country and I am confident that our bonds will grow even stronger. On behalf of over 7000 Nestle India employees, I would like to thank all our suppliers, distributors, retailers, and millions of consumers from every corner of India and overseas for their support, love, reassurance, and for being there during our difficult period. MAGGI Noodles rightfully belongs to them and I feel happy to be able to give back to them their familiar taste during the auspicious and festive Deepawali season."
While the tests were carried out, Nestle had to rescind 400 million packets of Maggi products, in addition to putting a halt on production. The recall cost the company a whopping $67 million.
The statement also added:
"MAGGI Noodles are 100% safe. The test results from all laboratories mandated by the Hon'ble Bombay High Court has validated Nestle India's position that MAGGI Noodles were and are safe. The health and safety of consumers is and will always remain highest priority at Nestle."
Suresh Narayanan was brought into the India from the Philippine division of Nestle to handle the crisis on lead. He is also the first Indian-born head of Nestle India in decades.
