Yoga guru Baba Ramdev's Patanjali strongly denied FSSAI's claims. (Photo: Twitter/ANI)
The instant noodles brand launched by Ramdev's Patanjali does not have food safety approval, the central regulator FSSAI has said, a charge that the yoga teacher has denied.
"Neither Patanjali Yog nor Aayush, which are the two brand names under which Ramdev's company have got licenses, have got any approval for manufacturing instant noodles," said Ashish Bahuguna, the acting CEO of the FSSAI or Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
He said that only 10 companies have approval for manufacturing noodles.
Ramdev rubbished the claim and said that his company had taken permission from the regulator.
"I think there is some misunderstanding on this. Patanjali Atta noodle have product approval for manufacturing," he said.
Patanjali said in a statement that it has license in the "pasta" category, which includes noodles.
But the food safety regulator said the company needed separate permission to make "Atta" or wheat noodles.
Patanjali launched 'Atta Noodles' earlier this week in 70 gram packs priced at Rs 15, claiming to be cheaper than competitors, with an eye to take on market leader Nestle's Maggi, which had returned to the shelves five months after the regulator banned it.