Maggi in deeper soup: Centre files complaint before NCDRC

In further troubles for Nestle over Maggi issue, the government has filed a complaint on its own with the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) -- using a provision for the first time from the nearly three-decade-old Consumer Protection Act. 

Describing the alleged lapses related to food safety standards in Maggi noodles as a "serious issue", Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan also said that the NCDRC will investigate the matter and take appropriate action. 

"We cannot say at this point of time, what exact action NCDRC will take," he added. 

Paswan also said that rising fast food consumption may have health risk. 

"In cities like Mumbai, 25 per cent of people do not eat at home. With rise in consumption of fast food items, there is also risk of health. Maggi is eaten maximum by children," he added. 

Usually, NCDRC comes into play following complaints filed by a consumer, but a section of this Act of 1986 also provides for the government to register a complaint. 

"For the first time, we are taking action under Section 12-1-D of the Consumer Protection Act, under which both Centre and states have powers to file complaints," Paswan said. 

This particular section deals with the manner in which a complaint can be made before NCDRC. 

It states that "a complaint in relation to any goods sold or delivered or agreed to be sold or delivered or any service provided or agreed to be provided may be filed by ... The Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be, either in its individual capacity or as a representative of interests of the consumers in general." 

While the government has already asked central food safety regulator FSSAI to look into the matter, it had earlier said that NCDRC would look into this issue if a complaint is filed. 

"Since there would be delay in getting FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) reports and since it is concerned about consumers, we decided to file a written complaint before NCDRC in the interest of consumers," Paswan told reporters here.