Nestle has again insisted its Maggi branded noodles on sale in India are "safe", claiming tests of 125m packets showing lead levels "well within the limits" specified by food regulators.

The company said it has tested samples at an independent external laboratory as well as its own accredited laboratory after reports authorities in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh found elevated lead levels in a sample pack of Maggi noodles.

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"All the results of these internal and external tests show that lead levels are well within the limits specified by food regulations and that Maggi noodles are safe to eat. We are sharing these results with the authorities," a spokesperson said in a statement. "We regularly monitor all our raw material for lead, including testing by accredited laboratories which have consistently shown levels in Maggi noodles to be within permissible limits."

India's food safety authorities are currently conducting further tests on Maggi noodles.

According to a report in The Times of India, Maggi sales in India have been "hit hard" by the scandal, with modern retailers claiming a 15-20% drop in large metros. Nestle did not comment on the impact the scandal has had on revenues.

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