Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, was discovered more than a century ago by the Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda in 1909, who termed this unique taste “umami”, the fifth taste beside sweet, sour, salty and bitter. MSG is the sodium salt of glutamate comprised of just sodium and glutamate. There are also other salts of glutamate such as ammonium glutamate and potassium glutamate.

It is not possible to distinguish between added glutamate and naturally occurring glutamate, because it is the same substance. When MSG is added to foods, it provides the same flavouring function (in simple terms ‘savoury’) as the glutamate that occurs naturally in foods. Today, MSG is mostly produced by a natural fermentation process that has been used for centuries to make foods such as beer, vinegar and yoghurt.

There have been some concerns raised about the contribution of MSG to sodium intake via the diet. However, MSG contains only about one-third the amount of sodium as table salt (13 percent vs. 40 percent) and so where we use it in products, in combination with a small amount of table salt, MSG can help reduce the total amount of sodium in a recipe by 20% to 40%, while maintaining an enhanced flavour.

The level of glutamate for example in Maggi noodles is around 0.2 g/100 g, which is close to the average level of glutamate measured in the same portion size of tomatoes or peas.

Read more about the science behind the savoury taste (pdf, 600Kb)

The analysis of minerals in foods, including macronutrients / micronutrients, trace elements and heavy metals, is a special type that requires a strong scientific background and knowledge of mineral and analytical chemistry, and skill.

To test for heavy metals (such as cadmium, lead, arsenic etc.) we use a method called “ICP-MS” (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) – one of the most reliable means of measuring trace elements such as lead reliably in a wide range of food products.

It measures the levels of trace elements like heavy metals in “parts per billion” (for reference, the standard limit in India for most products is in the “parts per million” range). This technique, a robust fit for purpose, internationally recognised method verified as per ISO 17025, is Nestlé’s official reference method for the quantitative determination of ten trace elements. It requires a highly qualified personnel to carefully follow the different steps of the method for each analysis while controlling the different critical parameters needed to deliver accurate results.

 

Steps	Key Control Points
1. Clean laboratory environment and labware	Maintain an ultrapure environment Controlled temperature and humidity in the lab Ensure lab is free of dust, smoke and corrosive fumes Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat Careful selection of non-lead labware
2. Sampling and preparation of test samples	Collect a representative test portion Avoid contamination from the external environment when preparing a test portion Use decontaminated digestion vessels Use pure acids (nitric, hydrochloric)
3. Pressure digestion	Avoid contamination of acids from dust and environment Carry out a blank test in parallel using the same procedure Ensure high pressure digestion with a closed vessel to avoid external contamination
4. Preparation of the test solutions	Dilute the sample appropriately to avoid interferences that could lead to incorrect results Filter if turbid and add digest test portion into appropriate test tube Use ultrapure water for dilution
5. Equipment instrument set-up	Check instrument (ICP-MS) performance by using tuning solution Use certified reference materials or proficiency test samples for quality control
6. Calculations and expressions of results and internal control plan	Check results of all analytes and confirmatory masses Report the result in mg/kg to 3 decimal places Include recovery data and blank test solution

 

View the latest test results.

The amino acid L-Glutamate is one of the most abundant and important amino acids of proteins. It is found in all foods that contain protein, such as cheese, milk, mushrooms, meat, fish, and many vegetables. The natural flavour-enhancing levels of glutamate in food varies greatly, but are high in foods such as tomatoes, mushrooms, soy sauce and fish sauce.

Monosodium glutamate, abbreviated as MSG, was discovered more than a century ago by the Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda, who gave this unique taste the name “umami”, the fifth taste beside sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Today, MSG is mostly produced by a natural fermentation process that has been used for centuries to make such common foods as beer, vinegar and yogurt.

Are MSG or glutamate unsafe?

Leading international food authorities have confirmed MSG is safe to use in food under common conditions of use.

These authorities include the international World Health Organization/UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s evaluation committee, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee for Food and the United States Food and Drug Administration.

None of the many scientific studies carried out over the last 30 years has shown a link between MSG intake and adverse reactions such as ‘Chinese Restaurant Syndrome’.

There have been some concerns raised about the contribution of MSG to sodium intake via the diet. However, MSG contains only about one-third the amount of sodium as table salt (13 percent vs. 40 percent) and so where we use it in products, in combination with a small amount of table salt, MSG can help reduce the total amount of sodium in a recipe by 20% to 40%, while maintaining an enhanced flavour. The level of glutamate for example in Maggi noodles is around 0.2 g/100 g, which is close to the average level of glutamate measured in the same portion size of tomatoes or peas.

 

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Lead occurs in the earth’s crust and is present in air, soil and dust. The CODEX Alimentarius standards are a key reference for Nestlé. We test lead levels in our raw materials and source ingredients from regions with the lowest levels of lead.

The authorities have also set firm limits to ensure that any lead present in a finished product are within recommended food safety levels and safe to consume.

We regularly monitor all our raw materials for lead, including testing by accredited laboratories. These tests have consistently shown lead in Maggi noodles to be within safe limits. In addition to testing both raw materials and finished products for lead, we carry out extensive research on lead and contribute to global efforts to assure safety in this area.

Food safety is Nestlé’s number one priority. We do more food testing than any other entity in the world and have many stringent controls to guarantee safety: starting from the raw materials we use, throughout processing to packaging. We adhere to the same quality standards wherever in the world we operate.

Learn more about how Nestlé ensures safe food.

 

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9 November 2015

Now that the orders of the Bombay High Court have been complied with, Nestlé India has made Maggi noodles available for sale once again

4 November 2015

All three NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accredited laboratories - mandated by the Bombay High Court – find samples of the newly manufactured Maggi noodles to be safe for consumption, with lead content well within permissible limits.

16 October 2015

Test results from all three laboratories mandated by the Bombay High Court show Maggi noodles to be safe, with lead content well within the permissible limits.

In compliance with the orders of the Bombay High Court, Nestlé India commences manufacturing Maggi noodles and submits the new batches for fresh tests to reconfirm they are safe for consumption.

13 August 2015

The Bombay High Court overturns the government’s ban on Maggi noodles, arguing that the move was “arbitrary” and “that principles of natural justice were not followed.”

The court rules that Nestlé India can bring the product back to the market if fresh tests – conducted in three accredited laboratories on the existing samples and subsequently on the freshly manufactured product– find the product safe.

11 August 2015

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) files a class action lawsuit against Nestlé India on behalf of Indian consumers.

It asks for close to USD 100 million (INR Rs 639.95 crore) in damages on grounds of "unfair trade practices, sale of defective goods and sale of goods to the public by selling Maggi Oats noodles without product approval.”

30 June 2015

The Bombay High Court allows Nestlé India to continue exporting Maggi noodles.

11 June 2015

Nestlé India files a legal petition with the Bombay High Court, seeking a judicial review of this order. As the case progresses the company cites a number of arguments, including the following:

• The FSSAI order was passed without giving Nestlé a proper hearing
• The government laboratories that tested Maggi noodles for lead – on behalf of the FSSAI and some Indian state FDAs (food and drug administration) - were not accredited for lead testing.
• Tests by Nestlé and an independent accredited laboratory have found Maggi noodles safe to eat
• Tests by food standards authorities in six countries – USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore – also found Indian-made Maggi noodles safe for consumption.
• Maggi oats noodles was launched when the FSSAI ‘Product Approval’ system was under suspension.

While legal proceedings are ongoing, Nestlé continues to comply with the FSSAI order and destroys over 35,000 tonnes of the product.

5 June 2015

In light of growing consumer confusion, Nestlé India decides to temporarily stop selling Maggi noodles in India until the situation with the authorities is resolved.

Later in the day, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issues an order to Nestlé India which includes, among others, the:

• Recall of all nine variants of Maggi noodles from the market
• Halt of commercial activities related to the product, including sale and production
• Removal of the “No Added MSG” claim from product packs
• Withdrawal / recall of Maggi oats noodles as it did not have ‘Product Approval’

Nestlé India says it will remove the “No added MSG” claim on the pack – although ‘factually correct and not in violation of regulations’.

April 2015

The referral government laboratory in Kolkata says it has detected lead levels above permissible limits and the presence of MSG in its sample of Maggi noodles.

Ensuing tests on Maggi noodles samples - representing 165 million packets - by both Nestlé India’s own accredited laboratories and independent accredited laboratories show lead levels to be within the limits set by the Indian food safety authorities.

Nestlé India states that although it does not add MSG to Maggi noodles, the product contains glutamate from hydrolysed groundnut protein, onion powder and wheat flour, which can produce a positive result in a test for MSG.

January 2015

The second sample is received by the referral laboratory in January 2015.

It is analysed from January 2015 to April 2015 – significantly after the product’s shelf-life.

March 2014

Authorities in the State of Uttar Pradesh inform Nestlé India that MSG was detected in a sample of Maggi noodles that carried a “No added MSG” claim on the pack.

Nestlé India states it does not add MSG to Maggi noodles and requests a second sample to be sent to a referral government laboratory in Kolkata.

Nestlé India currently exports Maggi noodles to Nestlé in Canada, UK, Singapore and Kenya and to third parties in the US, Australia and New Zealand.

The noodles made for the export market are the same as those sold in India, although Canada requires a different kind of salt to be used. Packaging materials are designed to meet the regulatory requirements of each importing country.

Food standards authorities in USA, Canada, UK, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand have all tested samples of Maggi noodles and confirmed that they are safe to eat.

Read more about tests conducted by other countries confirming Maggi noodles are safe to eat:

• USA

  The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that tests on several shipments of Maggi noodles from India did not find any health risks to consumers. The FDA has released the noodles for sale in the United States. Read the statement by the Nestlé India below:

  US Food and Drug Administration finds Maggi noodles safe

  11 August 2015 – We have learnt from our official importer in the United States, House of Spices, that the US Food and Drug Administration has tested several shipments of Maggi noodles from India for lead content. Finding no unsafe lead levels, FDA released the noodles for sale in the United States.

• Canada

  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) food safety investigation into Maggi noodles did not find any health risk associated with the consumption of Maggi brand noodle products sold in Canada. Read the CFIA statement below:

  Updated information for consumers on Maggi brand noodle products from India

  2 July 2015 – On June 5, 2015, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a Consumer Advisory regarding the actions taken in response to the incident in India involving Maggi brand noodles, including Nestlé's removal of products from the Indian marketplace.

  The CFIA's food safety investigation did not find any health risk associated with the consumption of Maggi brand noodle products sold in Canada.

  The CFIA takes food safety concerns very seriously. We are continuing to monitor the situation in India and are working with our international regulatory partners. The CFIA will advise the Canadian public should any food safety risk be identified.

• UK

  The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that results from testing samples of Maggi noodles in the UK have all found that levels of lead in the product is well within EU permissible levels and would not be a concern to consumers. Read the FSA statement below:

  Maggi noodles testing results released

  1 July 2015 – The FSA can confirm that results from testing samples of Maggi noodles in the UK have all found that levels of lead in the product is well within EU permissible levels and would not be a concern to consumers.

  Following an incident in India, where a sample of Maggi noodles was reported to contain high levels of lead, the Food Standards Agency made the decision to test a selection of Maggi noodles as a precaution. In India, this incident has resulted in a large scale withdrawal of the product.

  Nestlé informed the FSA that the only variety of Maggi noodles they import into the UK from India is the ‘masala flavour.’ The FSA has now tested this flavour and others from the Maggi noodles range, as a precaution. As well as tests carried out by local authorities, the FSA has also asked Nestlé to provide it with test results from its own samples.

  All showed levels of lead to be well within EU permissible levels. The total number of samples taken from Nestlé, local authorities and port authorities were around 900 in total.

• Australia and New Zealand

  Testing by the National Measurement Institute in Australia has confirmed that Maggi noodles manufactured in India and imported by Australia are completely safe to eat. Testing showed that levels of lead were well within the acceptable limits set by the regulator, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand. Read the statement by Nestlé Australia below:

  Maggi noodles from India confirmed as safe

  19 June 2015 –Testing by the National Measurement Institute in Australia has confirmed that Maggi noodles imported from India are completely safe to eat.

  Testing showed that levels of lead were well within the acceptable limits set by the regulator, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand.

  Indian-made Maggi noodles sold in Australia are imported by a third party distributor, not by Nestlé Australia, and are generally sold through specialist Indian grocery channels.

  However, as Nestlé Australia stands by the quality and safety of our products, wherever they are made, the company commissioned local testing in addition to the extensive testing conducted.

  Nestlé Australia will share these test results with Australian food authorities.

  Maggi noodles sold through general retail are imported by Nestlé Australia from Malaysia.

• Singapore

  Tests by Singapore’s Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) have confirmed that Maggi noodles available in Singapore, including those produced in India, meet Singapore’s food safety standards and do not pose food safety risks to consumers. Read the statement by Nestlé Singapore below:

  Nestlé and Singapore food authority confirm Maggi noodles are safe

  11 June 2015 – Nestlé Singapore reassures consumers that Maggi noodles in Singapore are absolutely safe for consumption. Nestlé has tested around 1,000 batches of Maggi noodles in its own laboratories, and 600 more batches in an independent laboratory. These tests covered batches totalling 125 million packets of noodles.

  Furthermore, results from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority’s (AVA) recent food safety tests on Maggi noodles available in Singapore, including those produced in India, showed that the noodles met Singapore’s food safety standards and do not pose food safety risks to consumers. On 8 June, AVA confirmed that Maggi noodles available in Singapore are safe for consumption.

  Nestlé would like to reassure consumers that the quality and safety of our products are the top priorities for our company.

 

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Test results from all three laboratories mandated by the Bombay High Court show Maggi noodles to be safe, with lead content well within the permissible limits.

In compliance with the orders of the Bombay High Court, we began manufacturing Maggi noodles and submitted the new batches for testing as well. All three NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accredited laboratories have reconfirmed that Maggi noodles are safe for consumption.

Now that the orders of the Bombay High Court have been complied with, Nestlé India has made Maggi noodles available for sale once again

Still have a question? Please get in touch

Yes. We have received test results from all three laboratories mandated by the Hon’ble Bombay High Court to test Maggi noodles. All 90 samples - covering six variants - were found safe for consumption, with lead levels well within the permissible limits.

In compliance with the orders of the Bombay High Court, we began manufacturing Maggi noodles and submitted the new batches for testing as well. All three NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accredited laboratories have reconfirmed that Maggi noodles are safe for consumption..

Now that the orders of the Bombay High Court have been complied with, Nestlé India has made Maggi noodles available for sale once again

We have always maintained that Maggi noodles are safe. Nestlé India has conducted over 3,500 tests, representing over 200 million packs, in both national as well as international accredited laboratories and all reports are clear. In addition to these, various countries including USA, UK, Singapore, Australia and others have found Maggi noodles manufactured in India safe for consumption.

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