Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)has decided to withdraw its Chinese range of instant noodles over pending product approval.
HUL follows a strict quality management system and regularly monitors products for compliance to regulations.
All HUL food products are regularly tested at Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) approved laboratories in addition to complying with strict internal quality standards. All suppliers are periodically audited by external accredited auditing agencies. As a responsible manufacturer and to reassure consumers, HUL has last week conducted additional testing of its noodles range of products from external FSSAI approved laboratory. All these tests show that the Chinese noodles range of products are safe for consumption and continue to meet all regulatory norms.
HUL had submitted an application with FSSAI for product approval for the Knorr Chinese range of instant noodles in February 2015 and the same is pending approval. In conformance with the FSSAI advisory to State FDAs dated June 8, 2015 with regard to product approvals, HUL has decided to stop production and sale of its Chinese range of instant noodles till such time as its application is approved by FSSAI. HUL is initiating a withdrawal of its Chinese instant noodles from the market.
The discontinuance of manufacturing and sale of Chinese instant noodles is not on account of any safety or quality concerns. The Chinese instant noodle range uses ingredients which are permitted under the FSS Regulation, 2011/Codex and safety of these ingredients is well established. Details of the same have been shared with FSSAI as part of the product approval application. HUL continues to engage with FSSAI to secure the approval of this range so as to make these products available at the earliest for its consumers.
