Bhubaneswar, June 3: Once everybody's favourite, instant noodles Maggi is now losing fans everywhere.

The controversy on the lead content in the noodles has affected sales in Bhubaneswar.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had ordered a nationwide sampling and tests around 10 days ago after the Uttar Pradesh authorities raised the issue.

The health department today sent 25 samples from 14 districts of the state for testing at the FSSAI lab in Pune.

"We collected 25 samples and sent it for testing in Pune. As soon as we get the reports, we will take action accordingly," said Arati Ahuja, principal secretary of the health department.

Officials at the state's directorate of public health services in Bhubaneswar said the spectrometer, an instrument that would analyse the level of different contents in the samples, was out of order and hence the samples had to be sent outside.

"Since our government laboratory is not fully equipped to test the samples right now, we will wait for the reports from Pune," said an official.

The report is expected to reach the state health department by Thursday.

After Kerala, the Delhi government banned the sale of Maggi noodles and asked manufacturer, Nestle India, to withdraw all stocks within 15 days.

Grocery stores are already clearing their shelves. "Maggi has always registered a high sale. But over the past week or two, sales have come down and people are avoiding it. We do not want to stock it at the moment," said Rabindra Sahoo, a storeowner.

Maggi fans are also shocked at the development.

"I have been eating Maggi for over 20 years now! However, now that we have come to know about the hazardous content in it, I am worried," said Smruti Pradhan, a homemaker.

Nutritionists and health specialists, too, suggest that high levels of monosodium glutamate, a taste enhancer, could have long-term effect on health.

"Though glutamate is naturally present in food items, the artificially prepared varieties could affect the nervous system in particular. Very high levels of these elements could cause paralysis in body parts. This is likely to affect youths more," said Sunita Sahoo, a nutritionist at Apollo Hospital in the city.