New Delhi, June 5 (IANS): Sunfeast noodles have not been banned in Gujarat, it has been clarified. Samples of the noodles have only been sent for testing.

IANS had erroneously reported on Thursday that Gujarat had banned Sunfeast noodles, along with Maggi, for over-permissible lead content, quoting the state Health Minister Nitin Patel. No ban has been placed on Hakka noodles either.

However, the minister had only said that the samples of both the brands had been sent for testing.

Late on Thursday, ITC, the makers of Sunfeast Yippee noodles, said its brand has passed the lead test and the company does not add MSG as an ingredient.

"We learn from news reports in Gujarat today, that a sample of Sunfeast Yippee noodles has passed the lead test," a company spokesperson said in a statement.

It said ITC Foods "does not add MSG (monosodium glutamate) as an ingredient to YiPPee".

"Glutamate is found in most common foods such as wheat flour, tomato, green peas, onions and even breast milk. Traces of glutamates may occur from the natural ingredients used in making the product," the statement said.

The company said its food products "are of superior quality and completely safe for consumption" as well as compliant with all regulations.