The row over more-than-permissible amount of lead in Maggi noodles has compelled many parents to drop the popular snack from their kids' diet.

According to experts, eating foods containing lead can cause disorders such as cancer, nerve problems and others.

The state government, however, has not taken any decision in this regard. Sources from the food safety wing of the health department confirmed that 21 samples from the state, including five from Patna, have been sent to Calcutta-based Mitra SK Pvt Limited laboratory for testing. The results would decide whether a similar ban would be implemented here or not.

Sources said the result of the first lot of samples would be probably known by Thursday evening.

Uday Sinha (40), a concerned parent and an employee of LIC Patna branch, said: "I cannot compromise with the health of my child. Even after knowing that Maggi contains lead, how can I give it to him? Arush was upset when I said he would not be eating Maggi noodles from now. But I know it's for his good. After all, this is matter of health," said Sinha.

Sanjeev Pathak, an advocate of civil court, Patna, has told his son to stop eating Maggi noodles: "I know he will not follow my words because he is crazy about it. It is a staple diet for him. He eats it quite frequently. Now that I have asked him to not eat, I am sure he will try to eat it behind my back. He would even emotionally blackmail his mother for this. However, I am going to tell Dolly not to be swayed," he said.

There are a few, however, who are unwilling to believe that Maggi could harm them. "In this country, there would never be any ban on things like alcohol, which, too, is not good for health. But Maggi has been banned in a lot of places. I know that reports indicate presence of lead in Maggi but I have been eating it since my childhood and it has never harmed me. So, there is no need to panic," said Aman Tejaswi, a Class XII student of DAV BSEB School.

"It is very simple to cook Maggi noodles and it is tasty as well. Though I have eaten noodles of other companies, I like Maggi the most. I am not going to give up eating Maggi. Let people talk rubbish," said Disha Nair, a 10-year-old.

A few kids, however, have decided to obey their parents. "I have decided not to eat Maggi noodles," said Ayush Priyadarshi, a Class IX student of DAV BSEB School.