Jan 6, 2019

Protect consumers from errant MNCs

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had banned Maggi noodles in 2015 alleging that the product contained harmful monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Packets of Nestle's Maggi instant noodles are seen on display at a grocery store in Mumbai.
Maggi noodles are back in the eye of a storm. The Supreme Court on Thursday lifted a stay on the proceedings of a class-action suit filed by the Union against Maggi-producer, the Swiss-headquartered Nestle India. This will allow the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) to begin hearing the Rs 640 crore claims filed by the government under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. “Why should children have Maggi noodles with lead?” asked the apex court bench to the senior counsel, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Nestle.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had banned Maggi noodles in 2015 alleging that the product contained harmful monosodium glutamate (MSG). Based on subsequent tests, FSSAI had green-lighted the noodle brand, but with the new Supreme Court order, Nestle and Maggi are back on trial. 
Another multinational company that has been in the news in recent days is the US-based pharmaceutical giant, Johnson & Johnson (J&J). The company is in hot water for supplying faulty hip implants to patients, endangering their lives. An expert committee has recommended that each of the patients be compensated a minimum of `20 lakh, and the penalties could go up to `1.2 crore. J&J is contesting the award in the Delhi High Court. 

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