The court’s verdict will provide partial relief to Nestle India, which has destroyed tonnes of the instant snack.
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“We have examined the evidence in great detail”.
Maggi was banned after several labs found higher than permissible levels of lead and MSG in its samples. Recently Bombay High court has ordered FSSAI and Nestle to Retest the noodle samples in 5 different labs. According to the statement, Maggi noodles have since passed stringent food safety tests both in India and overseas.
We respect the Honble Bombay High Courts decision to revoke the FSSAI FDA Maharashtra order banning MAGGI Noodles, Nestle India tweeted.
“Principles of natural justice were not followed while passing the ban order”, observed the court.
It said that if the fresh tests show that lead content was below permissible limit, then the company will be allowed to manufacture and sell Maggi again in the country.
“Our complaint is over their unfair trade practices and the court will now issue them notices to hear their response”, G Gurcharan, additional secretary at the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, told AFP news agency.
Maggi noodles has been banned in India across different states after the food Safety and Standards Authority of India reported that it contains high volume of lead taste enhancers.
An official said if the claim is approved, the amount would be deposited in the consumer welfare fund in the interest of consumers.
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The controversy over Maggi noodles has weighed on Nestle’s financial performance; the company slipped to a second-quarter loss as sales fell 20 per cent because of the withdrawal of Maggi noodles from domestic markets. The court further cited that the samples were not tested at authorized laboratories that are accredited by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), which raises doubts on the results. Presence of excess lead is harmful for health.
