The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has dismissed the Indian government's 2015 complaint against Nestlé India concerning the safety of its Maggi noodle products. In an April 12 order, NCDRC President Justice AP Sahi noted that the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) report confirmed that the lead content in Maggi noodles was within permissible limits.
"Once the scientific analysis and the clarifications issued by the Government itself do not and have not indicted the Opposite Party (Nestlé), there is no material to support the allegations made in the complaint for proceeding any further," stated the Commission, thus dismissing the complaint against Nestlé.
The dispute dates back to 2015 when the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) directed Nestlé to recall nine variants of Maggi noodles over alleged misleading labeling and impermissible lead levels. Nestlé challenged this order before the Bombay High Court, which stayed the government's directive, eventually allowing Nestlé to resume business.
Subsequently, the Central government filed a complaint before the NCDRC. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Vikramjit Banerjee argued that Nestlé's labeling practices were deceptive and highlighted concerns over Monosodium glutamate (MSG) levels in Maggi products.
Senior Advocate Harish Salve, representing Nestlé, countered these arguments by pointing out that the CFTRI report confirmed the lead content within permissible levels and that there was no evidence of added MSG during manufacturing.
Since the CFTRI report was unopposed by the Central government, the NCDRC found no violation of food safety or consumer protection laws and dismissed the complaint.
The Commission's decision signifies a crucial resolution in the long-standing legal battle between Nestlé and the Indian government over Maggi noodles' safety.
Author: Anushka Taraniya
News Writer, MIT ADT University
