The American Food and Drug Administration declared this week that the lead content in Maggi instant noodles is not high enough to pose danger to humans. However, the same product has been banned in India and its manufacturer, Nestle, is being sued by the Indian government.

The U.S. food regulation agency conducted several tests to determine the lead contents in a Maggi instant noodle pack. The regulators issued a statement declaring that the controversial noodles are safe for human consumption afterall.

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Indian authorities, however, disagree with the assessment. Maggi-maker Nestle has been charged with false advertising and engaging in illegal business practices. The Indian government also fined Nestle 640 crore rupees for damages. 

Representatives of Nestle in India said they are to see the lawsuit in paper. A Nestle spokesperson added that they are still waiting for the Indian Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) to inform them if the case has been filed.

The Nestle spokesperson defended their product by citing the U.S. FDA finding that the lead content in the instant noodles does not pose any danger to its consumers. Aside from the US, other countries in Asia and Europe have also declared that the Maggi noodle packs are safe to eat.

Two months ago, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) pulled out all nine varieties of the Maggi instant noodles for reportedly endangering customers. Nestle complied and removed the noodles from the Indian market.

The regulators also accused the noodle maker of failing to properly label the product with regards to monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is used to heightened the taste of the noodles.

The Indian ban has already affected the revenue of Nestle. Its Indian division has reported a second quarter loss of about 64 crore rupees from a net income of 287 crore rupees year-on-year.

Maggi instant noodles pack is one of Nestle's major products in India accounting for almost a third of its revenue.

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