Recently, Khaleej Times had reported  how the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is pressing for fortification of packed food to address the malnutrition problem of India and the need for detailed specifications of the materials used so the consumer is in control of his calorific and nutritional intake in each serving.

While the FSSAI has not yet made these into laws, pending clearance from the Central Government, Nestle India Limited has volunteered to cut the salt content and add iron to one of the most popular of its products, Maggi Noodles. The company said it would also cut the content of salt and other unhealthy elements in its other products like soups and seasonings.

The company said they are taking the initiative because health food is the future. Nestle products are sold in 3.5 million retail outfits in India. The new, improved noodles will reach the shelves in a few weeks. The old ones will be phased out. The price will remain the same.

A spokesperson said: "It's a step towards the future. We want to introduce products which offer healthier choices to our consumers by simplifying the ingredients and encourage home cooking."

The Nestle move is in keeping with a global trend. And across the world, a Nestle spokesperson said it would be part of the company's strategy to reduce sodium, saturated fat, and sugar in its various products. Their objective is to effect this fortification measure, and reduce salt content by 10 per cent by 2020.

Following the detection by a Food Safety and Drug Administration official in 2014, that Maggi had MSG, (monosodium glutamate)-and after due process- the company had recall 38,000 tonnes of Maggi noodles. It took some 18 months before Maggi made a comeback. No food was perhaps more missed, as the two-minute noodles is a favourite with children, singles and others looking for a quick snack.

Now the company's strategy is to make its products as healthy as possible, especially, in a large and growing market like India. Nestle says it sells about 2.5 billion packets of Maggi masala noodles every year.

The FSSAI officials are happy. They believe Maggi is a great platform to address the iron deficiency of the Indian consumers.

That Nestle's initiative comes just 4 months after FSSAI setting up the 'Food Fortification and Nutrition' committee shows the company is eager to associate itself with positive changes in the Indian consumption pattern. Other products should follow suit.

Source: Khaleej Times