DHAKA: India on Wednesday tested packets nationwide of Nestle India’s instant noodles after high lead levels were found in batches in the country’s north amid a mounting food-safety scare.

An official said, reports The Straits Times.

Food and consumer affairs ministry official G Gurucharan said test results so far showed higher than permissible lead levels in noodles on sale in New Delhi, warning of possible regulatory action against the company.

‘Samples have been tested from all across the country, we are getting the results one by one,’ Gurucharan, an additional secretary in the ministry, told the media.

‘For example tests in Delhi showed that 10 out of 13 samples contained lead beyond the permissible limits. Once we have all the results, Nestle India will be given an opportunity to explain.’

Stocks of Nestle India dropped more than 10 percent in early trade Wednesday on the Bombay Stock Exchange before regaining some ground on the growing controversy.

BDST: 1507 HRS, JUN 03, 2015
RR