Nestle Singapore says its products meet safety standards

NESTLE Singapore has moved to reassure consumers of the safety standards of its products after Singapore authorities ordered importers to suspend sales of the Maggi brand instant noodles produced in India.

All of the company's products are manufactured under strict conditions that meet both local and international standards, and are safe for consumption, Nestle said.

"Comprehensive testing is done to ensure that Nestle Singapore products fully comply with all applicable food safety laws and regulations, as well as our own high standards of quality and safety before they reach our consumers," the company said in a press release on Friday.

"The trust of our consumers and the safety of our products are our first priority. In spite of Maggi noodles being completely safe, Nestle India has decided to take the products off the shelves," it added.

India has banned the sale of the noodles for 15 days after high levels of lead were discovered in certain batches tested in New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh state.

"A small amount" of the noodles produced in India have been imported into Singapore, and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has taken samples of them for food safety tests as a precautionary measure.

The government agency has advised affected importers to stop sales of the product until the tests are completed.