HUL withdraws Knorr noodles from market, waiting for FSSAI approval

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) which makes Knorr noodles has decided to recall its Chinese range of 'Knorr' instant noodles from the market pending product approval from the central food safety regulator FSSAI.

The group decided on this soon after the reports came that Knorr instant noodle may come under scanner of FSSAI as the product was not in approved list.

"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," illustrated a company statement.

It, however, made it clear that "the discontinuance of manufacturing and sale of Chinese instant noodles is not on account of any safety or quality concerns."

However FSSAI on Monday has asked to withdraw pasta, noodles and Macroni brands from the market and has 33 items manufactured by seven companies.

HUL said it had submitted an application with FSSAI for product approval for the Knorr Chinese range of instant noodles in February 2015 and the same was pending approval.

HUL's Chinese range of Knorr instant noodles are available in two flavours of Hot & Spicy and Schezwan in the market.