Multinational company recalls salmonella-tainted instant noodle products

Manila: A multinational food company recalled a popular noodle product due to salmonella contamination, a local paper said.

A quality test showed that two batches of Nestle Philippines' beef-flavoured MAGGI Rich Mami Noodles have salmonella, said a half-page company statement that appeared as an advertisement in the Inquirer.

"Initial findings suggest flavouring ingredients as the cause (of the salmonella contamination)," said Nestle, adding it has stopped production of all the tainted products, including its flavour enhancer packed in sachet, for consumers' safety.

The company's chicken-flavoured instant noodle products were also recalled, said Nestle.

Although the advertisement carried hotlines nationwide, for consumers who want to return the tainted noodle products, Nestle also said, "We have not received consumer concerns related to the consumption of MAGGI Rich mami noodles. The product is safe to eat if the cooking instructions are followed."

The company did not give details on how it discovered the salmonella contamination of its noodle products. The date of the discovery of salmonella contamination was not disclosed.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed Nestlé's problem on TV.

Salmonella bacteria could be transmitted through animal feces, raw eggs, raw meat, water, and soil.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include abdominal pain, high fever, and vomiting. It could damage an infected person's intestines.