Respite for Nestle; Ban on Maggi lifted

Bombay High Court orders fresh testing...

The Bombay High Court has lifted the nationwide ban on Nestle India's instant noodle brand, Maggi by food safety regulator, FSSAI. As per various reports, the court has asked the company to undergo fresh testing of its nine variants of noodles to three accredited laboratories.

The court said that if the content of lead is found within permissible limits then the company can go ahead with the manufacture and sale.

Welcoming the high court judgement, Nestle India on its offical Twitter account stated,“We respect the Hon’ble Bombay High Court’s decision to revoke the FSSAI & FDA Maharashtra order banning MAGGI Noodles. We will comply with the order to undertake fresh tests.”

Following allegations that Maggi noodles contained lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG) in excess of permissible limits, Nestle India has decided to pull the product off shelves. The company says its product is "completely safe" and has been trusted in India for over 30 years, but due to "unfounded concerns", it is being withdrawn across the country.

In March 2014, a batch of Maggi noodles – manufactured in February 2014 – was tested as part of routine by FDA of Barabanki (a district in Uttar Pradesh). The results showed high level of lead and MSG in the product. Following this, a notice was sent to Nestle India for violations of FDA regulations. In May this year, UP food regulator FSDA filed cases against Nestle India.

The brand ambassadors of Maggi Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta were also serve show cause notices.

In June, following allegations that Maggi noodles contained lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG) in excess of permissible limits, Nestle India has decided to pull the product off shelves. The company said that its product is "completely safe" and has been trusted in India for over 30 years, but due to "unfounded concerns", it is being withdrawn across the country. It also urged consumers to return the unopened packs of Maggi to the company.

Reportedly Nestle paid Ambuja Cements Rs 20 crore to destroy Maggi instant noodles packs.

Meanwhile, the company claimed that its own tests had reported that the Maggi noodles were safe for consumption. It also stated that no problems had been reported in any other countries including the UK, Australia and Singapore where the product is being been sold.