Lead and MSG contents in Maggi?  Yes, Indian food inspectors have directed Nestle India to call back their recently manufactured batch of Maggi noodles from the shops across the nation stating that it contains dangerous levels of lead. Apart from lead, Maggi also known to have an artificial, flavor namely MSG or Monosodium glutamate. It is a flavor enhancer commonly added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats. Even though use of MSG claims to be safe from food industry it is not so. As told by Vijay Bahadur Yadav, FSDA Assistant Commissioner to Times Of India, “We have tested Maggi samples at Kolkata’s referral laboratory. The test results show that there are added monosodium glutamate and excess of lead. We have ordered further sampling.”

Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) of UttarPradesh announced the presence of high level of lead while testing two dozen packets of Nestle Maggi noodles. Lead concentration found during the tests was recorded as 17.2 parts per million which is seven times above the permissible limit i.e. .01 ppm to 2.5 ppm.

Is MSG harmful for your health? 

There is still a debate on whether MSG is harmful for health or not as there are still no proven results but yes, there have been reports of people complaining of headaches, nausea, upset digestive system after consumption of foods containing MSG.

Is lead is harmful? 

Of course, lead is harmful and can cause damage to body in various ways: Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. It interferes with the development of the nervous system and is therefore particularly toxic to children, causing potentially permanent learning and behavior disorders. Symptoms include abdominal pain, confusion, headache, anemia, irritability, and in severe cases seizures, coma, and death. 

If Maggie is banned what are the alternative healthy food? 

A staple food among students, hostel residents, people away from home and lazy cooks, it has come to the point that many cite their cooking ability as being able to make Maggi. A number of people have taken the Maggi ban as a call to stock up supplies of their favorite snack just as one would during a zombie apocalypse.

People are worried that what are the alternate food one can prepare in in few minutes if the Maggi is banned? Below are some healthy foods one can prepare in few minutes or which can be alternatives to maggi

1. Bread upma: All you need is some fluffy pav or bread and you are all set to kill the hunger. Add onion, chilies, and peanuts to little oil, put pieces of pav or bread, and mix it with little salt. Cooking time: 7 minutes.
2. Chana Masala: Boil chickpeas, preferably black chickpeas and add some onions, chat masala, tomatoes and chilly. Chana masala is a very healthy alternative to fast food. Eat with pav or bread: Cooking time: 10-15 minutes.
3. Khichdi : One of the most nutritious food is our own old Indian Khichdi. Moong dal khichdi, made in ghee, is a healthy, comfort food. It will take more time than Maggi, but it will definitely will satisfy your hunger and pleases your mother too. Cooking time : 10-12 minutes.
4. Oats Chilla: A chilla is a good way to introduce oats in your diet. All you have to do is replace the besan batter with crushed oats and semolina. In a bowl mix oats, curd and semolina together. If the consistency is very thick, add some more curd. Let it sit for a while. Add all other ingredients and mix well. On a non -stick pan, line it with some oil, after the pan is hot, and pour the batter to form a pancake. Cover with lid. Let the chilla cook for 2-3 minutes on medium flame. When you open the lid, you will see that the chilla had risen a bit. Now carefully turn the chilla upside down and let it become golden brown. If necessary add oil on both sides. Remember, this chilla will be a little soft, thus, you will need to turn it around carefully. Cooking time: 10-12 minutes.
5. Omelets: There is nothing like a good old omelets to keep hunger at bay. How you make it? Watch bollywood movie “Kaho na pyar hai” and Hrithik will teach you! Cooking time: 5-10 minutes.
6. Soup: Take out time to make a healthy bowl of soup with veggies. Cut various vegetables steam it, add little spice and salt and you have a healthy item treat for yourself. Cooking time 10-15 minutes.
7. Bhel: Why not puffed rice that has fewer calories? Add peanuts, onion, chillies, grated carrot and eat. Preparation time 5-7 minutes.
8. Chinese bhel: Freshly-fried noodles tossed in with shredded vegetables and soya sauce can be your next midnight snack. Preparation time: 5-10 minutes .
9. Chapati Noodles: Have leftover chapatis? You can make chapati noodles. Make thin strips of leftover chapatis and fry them in the mixture of onion, tomato, carrot, green chilli, oil and soy sauce. Preparation time: 5-10 minutes.
10. Bread toast sandwich: Toast bread and put little cheese and place cut cucumber, carrot and mint chutney. Have with tomato sauce. Preparation time: 5 minutes.
11. Masala pappad: If you have microwave bake the pappad. Spread cut onions, chilies, coriander leaves and grated carrots. Preparation time: 5 minutes.

Sources: Time of India, FSDA India