FSSAI, Maharashtra FDA defend Maggi recall and ban order

Bombay HC to resume hearing on Nestle India petition on June 30

Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in its affidavit filed in the Bombay high court has submitted that there was no anomaly in its order to recall Maggi noodles from outlets across India as well as to stop its production.

Besides, the food regulator has said the directives, which were issued to Nestle India, were well within its powers under the Food Safety & Standards Act.

FSSAI said in its affidavit that without risk assessment and grant of product approval the product could not be allowed to remain in the market. FSSAI sources told Business Standard, "The affidavit has been filed in the high court. There is no anomaly in the order issued against Nestle India."

Similarly, the Maharashtra FDA also strongly defended its action to prohibit the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of Maggi noodles under section 30 sub clause (a) of clause (2) of the Food Safety & Standards Act. The high court during its hearing on the petition filed by Nestle India on June 12 refused to stay the Maggi ban orders but asked both FSSAI and Maharashtra FDA to file their affidavits. The case is slated for hearing on June 30. The company has argued that FSSAI's move was "arbitrary" and "illegal".

FDA official said its affidavit has mentioned the tests conducted of 20 samples across the state before taking a decision to ban the manufacture and sale of Maggi noodles. He informed that according to the reports of the state food analysts the Maggi Noodles manufactured by Nestle India found "Unsafe" as it contains lead content much higher than the prescribed limit and misbranded due to presence of Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG).