Maggi row: Why politicians are feeling guilty
JP Nadda, Union health minister: I used to eat Maggi during my student days, but only as a last resort. No one eats it in my family. My children are very health-conscious, gym-going types. We believe in eating Indian food and maintaining a balanced diet.
As the Union health minister, I can say that the Centre has issued advisory to all the states to get samples of Maggi tested. We have received reports from some states. We are awaiting others to send theirs in the next few hours. On the basis of the reports, we are likely to take a call on June 4. There cannot be a nodal agency for testing the samples because food is a state subject. Moreover, we believe in decentralisation of powers. All states have their own drug and food controllers. The Centre only supports and finances the states. Samples are being tested regularly. The issue has arisen because some samples tested negative. It is a matter of concern for the Centre. We are monitoring the situation as best we can.
Harsh Vardhan, Union science and technology minister: Personally, I have never eaten Maggi. I am not sure whether my family members have eaten it. We prefer home-made food. My mother prepares ''jawey'' (also called sawai) at home. It is sweet when prepared in milk, and salty when made with green chillies and some spices. We relish that, always. Not only is it tasty, but it is also always full of my mother's love and affection.
As far as the controversy is concerned, I have not gone into its details. I know only what is appearing in the news. The food inspectors would be in a better position to comment. The data coming after the tests should be objectively analysed in the larger interest of the people. I would not like to comment much. But yes, as a doctor and a former Union health minister, I am concerned about people's health.
Renuka Chowdhury, former Union minister: I have eaten Maggi just once. That was eight to nine years ago during a visit to a convent where it was served to me. I didn't have any idea what it was. I thought it was some south Indian dish. Later, I was told that it was Maggi. It tasted quite good. Now that there is so much song and dance over the issue, I'll try it once again. My children are very health conscious. They don't eat junk food. My staff and their children surely eat it. But now I have warned them not to eat it, lest they fall sick - then I will have to foot their medical bills.
The multinational company has to be hauled up. The MSG has to be within permissible limit. There should be an independent agency to test and monitor food items. At present, all states are testing it separately.
KC Tyagi, spokesperson, JD(U): I've never tasted Maggi. The children in my family eat it and they even take it to school. But I'm very concerned about their health. Now, I'll ask them not to eat it.
It's not the case of Maggi alone. Developing countries have become a laboratory for the MNCs to test their products. I strongly condemn the presence of poisonous contents in Maggi and stringent action should be taken against the MNC.
Alka Lamba, MLA, AAP: The Maggi controversy has come as a rude shock to me and it has filled me with a sense of guilt. Till now, it was very easy for me to cook Maggi in two minutes for my 17-year-old son whenever I would reach home late due to my busy schedule as a politician. As a mother, I am feeling guilty that I fed "poison" to my son all these years. His health is most important for me. Now, I cook healthy food even if it takes two hours to prepare because there is no other choice. But it has undoubtedly become problematic for me.
I am shocked that no government had tested it till now. All governments should take responsibility for whatever has happened. Samples should be randomly checked. The government should be alert. Anyone can fall for such items as they come in attractive packets; they are aggressively advertised and endorsed by Bollywood stars. Nothing can be more shocking than this.
Vijender Gupta, leader of opposition, Delhi Assembly: Of course, I eat Maggi, but not regularly. But I have stopped eating it ever since the controversy arose. I will not eat Maggi till it is cleared of the health hazard.
It is a major issue as many people are dependent on this instant food item. There should be no politics behind the issue. This could also be a part of business competition where some other company would be trying to capture this market. Therefore, it should be treated in a sensitive manner. There are several questions which need to be answered. For instance, why is the lead content high in it? What were the health agencies doing till now? Why did they not test it earlier? Why is the lead content different in different samples tested by different states?
KC Mittal, secretary, legal and human rights department, Congress: I have not eaten Maggi but my family members used to have it. But they stopped eating much before the controversy arose because I discourage them from eating junk food.
There is a larger issue involved in the controversy. Why only Maggi, even the essential food items we eat and drink are adulterated. Be it milk, vegetables, fruits, spices or even water - all are adulterated. There is no check on food adulteration. Is there any agency even monitoring them?
Nalin Kohli, spokesperson, BJP: I have eaten Maggi, but not regularly. Now, why would I eat something which is controversial? It is not my first preference.
Quite a few governments have already started initiating action. The samples are being collected in various states. Union consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister (Ramvilas Paswan) has also spoken about this issue and wherever any action is required, it will be taken.
BK Hariprasad, general secretary, Congress: I've hardly eaten Maggi. I have had it just in hotels. No one eats it in my home. Now I will not eat it. But I would not like to comment on the controversy. The Congress spokesperson will speak on it.