India burns Maggi noodles over lead scandal

India’s most loved packaged noodle brand is under fire after reports emerged of it containing unsafe levels of lead. Maggi, owned by Nestle India, is a household name and a favourite of students. But after laboratory tests revealed excess amounts of lead, numerous states have ordered the product’s removal from shops, while tests are being conducted. Even the Indian army has advised all personnel to avoid Maggi noodles. 

The controversy grew on Tuesday when police reports were filed against Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and Preity Zinta, who previously endorsed the product, and current brand ambassador Madhuri Dixit. Nestle India have conducted their own tests and state the snack is safe to eat. 

Amitabh Bachchan said he would cooperate with the law, even though he “stopped promoting” the product two years ago. Dixit and Zinta responded to the controversy on Twitter: