NEW DELHI — Nestle said Friday it was withdrawing its Maggi instant noodles from sale in India after a scare over excess lead content that has seen the hugely popular snack burned on the streets and temporarily banned in several states. India's Health Ministry announced Friday that Nestle's instant noodles failed to pass safety tests and ordered its removal from stores across the country. Nestle Global Chief Executive Paul Bulcke insisted that Maggi noodles “are completely safe and have been trusted in India for over 30 years.” He told reporters in New Delhi that there appeared to be confusion about testing methods used by Indian authorities and the Nestle group, and the two sides would consult in the coming days to sort out the differences. “Unfortunately, recent developments and unfounded concerns about the product have led to an environment of confusion for the consumer,” Nestle India said in a statement. “We have decided to withdraw the product off the shelves, despite the product being safe.” Nestle has been selling its Maggi brand in India for three decades and has 80 percent of the country's instant noodle market. — AP
