Bengaluru: The second laboratory in Bengaluru, which tested samples of Maggi for lead and MSG after a state government request, has found presence of monosodium glutamate, or Ajinamoto (0.053 gm), in the product. But the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Bengaluru centre, is confused whether to suggest a ban as there is no law, rule or central authority order that prescribes the “permissible limit” for glutamic acid.
The report from the NABL-accredited laboratory records the presence of lead in the popular snack at 0.05 ppm, which is within the permissible limit of 2.5 ppm, and that of MSG at 0.053 grams.
“Lead’s presence is almost negligible, but we are confused about the MSG levels. We have sought clarification from FSSAI, central unit as the Food Safety and Standards Act does not mention the permissible limit for MSG and glutamic acid," said Dr Shivakumar, joint director, FSSAI, Bengaluru. The FSSAI was not asked to test Maggi for MSG level. “We were asked to do the tests to check for the presence of lead, arsenic and other parameters and not MSG. But for academic interest and to be on the safer side, the state decided to get the tests done and we found traces of glutamic acid,” Dr Shivakumar said.
“A reminder was sent again on Wednesday to seek instructions on what do the levels mean and what should we expect of these levels,” he said. The tests also do not indicate whether glutamic acid found in the product was present naturally or added. “MSG is present as glutamic acid naturally in abundance in plants, vegetables that we consume so we need a way to understand whether it is added or is present naturally,” he said.
He also stressed that glutamic acid has no adverse effect on human health. “I would like to exert that glutamic acid has no adverse effect on human health and it should not be branded as a huge health hazard, as it is not,” he said.
