BHOPAL: Bombay High Court has quashed the ban on India's favourite two-minute noodle, but it may take a while before it comes back on the shelves. Though students and professionals are elated, most general stores are still wary of stocking, fearing it may be banned again.
Sales of popular fast food Maggi had dropped in the city by more than 50% after news of lead and MSG in the instant noodles surfaced. Thursday's high court order brought cheer to students. However, shopkeepers are not too optimistic. Lakshman Ahuja, proprietor of Ahuja Proteins, a general store said, "The order doesn't say Maggi can be sold yet. It is subject to fresh test results after six weeks. Hence it would be early to even re-stock it." Another store owner Anil Talreja of a popular bakery said, "Demand was almost nil following reports of lead and MSG. in the current scenario, it would only be possible to stock the product once ban lifts completely. Right now, the product is totally off the shelves."
After ban on Maggi instant noodles by the state government, food and drug administration (FDA) officials on directions of food standard and safety authority of India (FSSAI) had conducted several raids at major suppliers of fast food items of Nestle like at Malviya Nagar etc. Several hoteliers had also expressed concern that food officials were conducting random raids.
Shantanu Roy, assistant executive manager, Amer Palace said, "Hoteliers already maintained check points in their quality. However, they had to notch it up after Maggi controversy."
Students, meanwhile, are missing their favourite noodle.
"I would turn to instant noodle whenever I was sick of hostel food and missed my mom's cooking. It was the ultimate comfort food for me. I wish it's back soon," says Mukta Tiwari, a college student who hails from UP.
Ashish Mehra, a young techie said, "I remember consuming Maggi ever since I was a teenager. The association is of more than 20 years. It was very difficult to say goodbye. Hope the product returns for good in six weeks."
No comments:
Post a Comment