Jan 13, 2016

SC seeks clarity on Maggi’s lead levels from Mysore-based national research lab

The Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysore has already submitted the results of tests ordered by the Supreme Court on 16 December
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) if lead levels in the samples of Maggi noodles it tested recently were within prescribed levels.
The Mysore-based national research lab, approved by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), has already submitted the results of tests ordered by the court on 16 December.
The December order stayed proceedings before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and transferred the case to Supreme Court.
A bench comprising justices Dipak Misra and N. V. Ramana asked CFTRI to make a requisition to the government for further samples of Maggi noodles, if required. The laboratory will also clarify that whether tests for glutamic acid are the same as those for monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Appearing for Nestle India Ltd, lawyer Harish Salve told the court that CFTRI was mistaken that Maggi had to be tested for all possible contaminants. The court replied that there was no difficulty in doing so.
The court said health and food safety were the primary concerns.
Maggi, Nestle’s popular snack, came under the food safety regulator’s scanner on charges that it contained excessive levels of lead and MSG. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned Maggi in the market in July. The Bombay high court lifted the ban in August.
The government had also filed a class action suit against the Indian arm of the Swiss food giant for compensation of Rs.640 crore.

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