Nestle India "in soup" again; Maggi noodles fail lab test
Nestle India is again facing fresh troubles after samples of Maggi noodles were found to be of "sub-standard" quality in a lab-test in Uttar Pradesh. UP's Shahjahanpur District Administration imposed a fine of Rs. 70-lakh on Nestle India, its factories, and distributors. However, Nestle said it appeared to be a "case of application of incorrect standards," adding it would appeal against it. Know more!
After receiving lab reports, Chief Food Security Officer filed a case against Nestle India, its owners, factories, and distributors at Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Court. Shahjahanpur ADM (Administration) Jitendra Kumar Sharma slapped a Rs. 35-lakh fine on the Maggi maker, under Section 51 of Food Safety and Standards Act. Two factories were fined Rs. 10-lakh each while four distributors were slapped Rs. 17-lakh fine.
Passing the order, Shahjahanpur Additional District Magistrate Jitendra Kumar Sharma stated: "The order should serve as a deterrent to companies who manufacture hazardous food items and are still not following prescribed limits under the Food Safety and Standards Act."
Meanwhile, Nestle India stressed that Maggi noodles are 100% safe. A spokesperson said they hadn't received any orders passed by Shahjahanpur ADM, but they were informed the samples were of year 2015; the problem was regarding the "ash content" in noodles. He added, "This appears to be a case of application of incorrect standards…we will file an appeal urgently once we receive the order."
The Nestle India spokesperson said Nestle India and other companies had represented to authorities to set "standards specific to instant noodles to avoid confusion amongst enforcement officers and consumers." He added such standards had been introduced and their popular product, Maggi noodles, also complies with them. The spokesperson also said, "We regret the confusion it may cause to consumers."
"We strongly reiterate that MAGGI Noodles are 100% safe..We have been informed that the samples are of year 2015 and the issue pertains to 'ash content'. This appears to be a case of application of incorrect standards, and we will file an appeal urgently once we receive the order. "
