“Why should we isolate Nestle? It’s not a question of targeting.”
Several companies including ITC, Hindustan Unilever, Reliance Industries, as well as numerous smaller firms sell noodle products in India.
The national checks were triggered after routine tests in northern Uttar Pradesh state showed lead content of 17.2 parts per million in Nestle’s instant noodles – seven times the legal limit. Nestle has challenged the findings.
Tamil Nadu said it would extend its ban to other noodle brands after tests found excess lead in products sold by Nestle, Reliance and domestic firm CG Foods.
“Manufacturing, stocking and sales … will be banned for three months as an initial move,” the state government said in a statement, adding that companies will immediately need to withdraw all stock in the market.
