AKIPRESS.COM - India's food safety regulator says laboratory tests have found overwhelming evidence that Nestle India's instant noodle products are "unsafe and hazardous" for human consumption.

In a notice issued after a meeting with Nestle's global chief executive Paul Bulcke, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) also said it was evident that Nestle had failed to comply with its obligations under India's food safety laws.

While reserving the right to prosecute, the FSSAI issued a series of orders to Nestle, including withdrawing nine versions of its Maggi instant noodles and another product that was being sold without product approval.

Nestle India earlier on Friday announced it would withdraw its Maggi noodles, after local authorities raised safety concerns following the discovery of high levels of lead in some packets.

"Unfortunately, recent developments and unfounded concerns about the product have led to an environment of confusion for the consumer," Nestle India said in a statement.

"We have decided to withdraw the product off the shelves, despite the product being safe."

At least six states including India's capital have announced a temporary ban on the sale of the instant noodles in the last few days.

New Delhi's health minister announced a 15-day ban on Wednesday, ordering Nestle India to recall and replace tens of thousands of packets in stores throughout the city.

Food inspectors in the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh said late last month that they had found high lead levels in two dozen Maggi noodle packets during a routine testing.

The inspectors said they had also found flavour enhancer MSG (monosodium glutamate), which is not listed in the ingredients, and subsequently filed a criminal complaint against Nestle India over the findings.