Worms in Maggi packets: viral video prompts Nestlé to respond

Mumbai: A complaint over the alleged discovery of live worms and insects inside a packet of Nestlé’s Maggi noodles has sparked concern after a video showing the purported contamination went viral on social media.

A consumer from Kalyan allegedly found live worms inside a Maggi packet after opening it to prepare the noodles. The product reportedly had a shelf life extending until February 2027, adding to concerns over how the alleged contamination occurred in a packet that was still within its stated expiry period.

The incident prompted a response from Nestlé, which said it learned about the claim through media reports. According to the company, neither the consumer who allegedly found the worms nor food safety authorities had directly contacted it regarding the complaint.

Nestlé said the authenticity of the material circulating on social media could not be established without a direct complaint or verification, and therefore, it was not in a position to comment officially on the specific incident.

The company also highlighted its food safety and quality control procedures, saying that checks are conducted throughout production, beginning with the sourcing of raw materials and continuing through packaging. It said ensuring the safety of its products remains a priority.

Consumer organisations, meanwhile, have demanded immediate laboratory testing of samples from different Maggi batches available in the market. They have called for an investigation to determine whether the alleged contamination originated during manufacturing or resulted from improper storage at supermarkets and retail shops.

The demands have intensified scrutiny of food-safety practices across the product’s supply chain and the need to establish the cause of the alleged contamination.