Oct 9, 2015
சத்துணவு முட்டை கள்ளச்சந்தையில் விற்பனையா? சரக்கு ஆட்டோவுடன் பறிமுதல்
சேலம், அக்.9:
நாமக் கல் மாவட்டம் திருச் செங் கோட்டில் இருந்து சேலம் ஒன் றிய அலு வ ல கம் மூலம் சத் து ணவு திட்டத் திற் காக வாரத் திற்கு 80 ஆயி ரம் முட்டை கள் விநி யோ கிக் கப் பட்டு வரு கி றது. இந்த முட்டை கள் சேலம் ஒன் றி யத் திற் குட் பட்ட 128 பள் ளி கள் மற் றும் அங் கன் வாடி மையங் களுக்கு சரக்கு ஆட்டோ மூலம் அனுப்பி வைக் கப் ப டு கி றது. இந் நி லை யில் ேநற்று செவ் வாய் பேட்டைச் சேர்ந்த டிரை வர் செல் வ கு மார், சேலம் ஒன் றிய அலு வ ல கத் தில் இருந்து சரக்கு ஆட்டோ வில் 40 ஆயி ரம் முட்டை களை ஏற் றிக் கொண்டு பள் ளி களுக்கு விநி யோ கம் செய் தார். வழி யில் 5 ரோடு அருகே 4 அட்டை பெட்டி முட்டை களை வேறு வாக னத் தில் வந்த ஒரு வ ரி டம் கொடுத் துள் ளார். இத னைக் கண்டு சந் தே க ம டைந்த மக் கள், சத் து ணவு முட்டை வெளி ஆட் களுக்கு விற் பனை செய் வ தாக சேலம் உணவு பாது காப் புத் துறை அதி காரி டாக் டர் அனு ரா தா வுக்கு புகார் தெரி வித் த னர். இதன் பே ரில், அவர் விரைந்து வந்து சரக்கு ஆட்டோ வு டன் முட்டை களை பறி மு தல் செய்து, நாட்டாண்மை கழக கட்டி டத் திற்கு கொண்டு வந் தார். மேலும, செல் வ கு மா ரி டம் அதி கா ரி கள் விசா ரணை நடத்தி வரு கின் ற னர். இது கு றித்து அவர் கூறு கை யில்,‘‘ சேலம் ஒன் றிய அலு வ ல கத் தில் இருந்து நேற்று காலை 40 ஆயி ரம் முட்டை களை ஏற் றிக் கொண்டு பள் ளி களுக்கு விநி யோ கம் செய் தேன். வாய்க் கால் பட்ட றை யில் உள்ள ஒரு பள் ளிக் கான முட்டையை கொடுப் ப தற் காக சென் றால், அதிக நேரம் பிடிக் கும் என் ப தால், கால வி ர யத்தை கருத் தில் கொண்டு அப் ப கு திக்கு சென்ற ஒரு வாக னத் தில் 4 அட்டை முட்டை களை ஒப் ப டைத்து, அப் பள் ளிக்கு விநிே யா க கு மாறு கூறி னேன். அப் போது அங் கி ருந்த ஒரு வர் நான் வெளி ஆட் களுக்கு சத் து ணவு முட்டை களை சப்ளை செய் வ தாக நினைத்து உணவு பாது காப் புத் துறை அதி கா ரிக்கு தக வல் தெரி வித் துள் ளார்,’’ என் றார்.
கேரளா கடத்திய ரூ.10 லட்சம் போதை பாக்கு புகை யிலை பாக் கெட் பறி மு தல்
பாலக் காடு,அக்.9:
கோவை யில் இருந்து கேர ளா விற்கு சொகுசு காரில் கடத் திய ரூ.10 லட் சம் மதிப் பி லான போதை பாக்கு மற் றும் புகை யிலை பாக் கெட் களை கலால் துறை அதி கா ரி கள் பறி மு தல் செய் த னர்.
கேரள- தமி ழக எல் லைப் ப கு தி யான வாளை யார் சோத னைச் சா வ டி யில் நேற்று முன் தி னம் மாலை கலால் துறை அதி கா ரி கள் வாக ன த ணிக்கை மேற் கொண் டி ருந் த னர். அப் போது கோவை யி லி ருந்து கேரளா நோக்கி வந்த சொகுசு கார் ஒன்றை மறித்து சோத னை யிட்ட போது காரின் பின் ப கு தி யில் 10 மூட்டை களில் போதை பாக்கு, புகை யிலை பாக் கெட் பதுக்கி வைக் கப் பட்டி ருந் தது கண் டு பி டிக் கப் பட்டது.
இது தொடர் பாக காரில் வந்த பாலக் காடு மாவட்டம் கல் ல டிக் கோட்டை சேர்ந்த சீனாசி(25),ஜிஹாப்(24) ஆகிய இரு வரை கைது செய் த னர். விசா ர ணை யில் கோவை யில் இருந்து எர் ணா கு ளத் திற்கு கடத்தி சென்று அங்கு பணி யாற் றும் தொழி லா ளர் கள் மற் றும் கல் லூரி மாண வர் களுக்கு சப்ளை செய்ய முயன் ற தாக தெரி வித் த னர். இரு வ ரை யும் கைது செய் த தோடு கார் மற் றும் புகை யிலை போதை பாக் கு க ளை யும் பறி மு தல் செய் த னர்.
கடத் தல் சம் ப வம் குறித்து கலால் துறை இன்ஸ் பெக் டர் சஞ் சீவ் கு மார் கூறு கை யில்,‘ கடந்த 2 மாதங் களில் கோவை யில் இருந்து ரூ.50 லட் சம் மதிப் பி லான போதை பாக்கு,புகை யிலை பாக் கெட் கேர ளா விற் குள் கடத்தி வரப் பட்ட போது பிடி பட்டுள் ளன. இது தொடர் பாக 5 வழக்கு பதி யப் பட்டு 12 பேர் கைது செய் யப் பட்டுள் ள னர்’, என் றார்.
கோவை யில் இருந்து கேர ளா விற்கு சொகுசு காரில் கடத் திய ரூ.10 லட் சம் மதிப் பி லான போதை பாக்கு மற் றும் புகை யிலை பாக் கெட் களை கலால் துறை அதி கா ரி கள் பறி மு தல் செய் த னர்.
கேரள- தமி ழக எல் லைப் ப கு தி யான வாளை யார் சோத னைச் சா வ டி யில் நேற்று முன் தி னம் மாலை கலால் துறை அதி கா ரி கள் வாக ன த ணிக்கை மேற் கொண் டி ருந் த னர். அப் போது கோவை யி லி ருந்து கேரளா நோக்கி வந்த சொகுசு கார் ஒன்றை மறித்து சோத னை யிட்ட போது காரின் பின் ப கு தி யில் 10 மூட்டை களில் போதை பாக்கு, புகை யிலை பாக் கெட் பதுக்கி வைக் கப் பட்டி ருந் தது கண் டு பி டிக் கப் பட்டது.
இது தொடர் பாக காரில் வந்த பாலக் காடு மாவட்டம் கல் ல டிக் கோட்டை சேர்ந்த சீனாசி(25),ஜிஹாப்(24) ஆகிய இரு வரை கைது செய் த னர். விசா ர ணை யில் கோவை யில் இருந்து எர் ணா கு ளத் திற்கு கடத்தி சென்று அங்கு பணி யாற் றும் தொழி லா ளர் கள் மற் றும் கல் லூரி மாண வர் களுக்கு சப்ளை செய்ய முயன் ற தாக தெரி வித் த னர். இரு வ ரை யும் கைது செய் த தோடு கார் மற் றும் புகை யிலை போதை பாக் கு க ளை யும் பறி மு தல் செய் த னர்.
கடத் தல் சம் ப வம் குறித்து கலால் துறை இன்ஸ் பெக் டர் சஞ் சீவ் கு மார் கூறு கை யில்,‘ கடந்த 2 மாதங் களில் கோவை யில் இருந்து ரூ.50 லட் சம் மதிப் பி லான போதை பாக்கு,புகை யிலை பாக் கெட் கேர ளா விற் குள் கடத்தி வரப் பட்ட போது பிடி பட்டுள் ளன. இது தொடர் பாக 5 வழக்கு பதி யப் பட்டு 12 பேர் கைது செய் யப் பட்டுள் ள னர்’, என் றார்.
Creating awareness about food cooked in reused oil
How many times have people suffered from abdominal pain, loose motion and bloating sensation after consuming fried items sold at roadside eateries?
The chances are that the fried food items might have been cooked in reused oil.
Rajkumar Wadhwa, gastroenterologist, said that cooking oil turns toxic when it is cooled and reheated.
Food items fried in reused oil are not safe for human consumption, often leading to complaints of abdominal pain, loose stools and bloating sensation, he said.
Srikanth Kashyap, president of Arivu Samsthe, a voluntary organisation, said that he came across several people in the city complaining of an upset stomach after eating fried food items.
As most of them had eaten the fried food stuff from roadside eateries or hotels as cooking oil is reused rampantly, Arivu Samsthe approached the Designated Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSA) in Mysuru to take necessary steps as a large number of tourists will be visiting the City during Dasara.
On Thursday, volunteers of Arivu Samsthe, along with Food Safety Officer of Mysuru, M.S. Lokesha, went around the city creating awareness among roadside eateries and hotels against reusing cooking oil.
The office of the FSSA in Mysuru had also noticed that coriander leaves, chillies, curry leaves and other vegetables used by the eateries were not cleaned properly.
“Many have pesticide residues that should be cleaned with salt water,” Mr. Lokesha said.
As part of an awareness campaign on Thursday, fruit sellers were also warned against selling apples having a coat of wax and fruits ripened artificially using banned chemicals like calcium carbide.
The officials of the FSSA have been authorised to levy a penalty up to Rs 1 lakh against traders under the Food Safety Standards Act 2006, he added.
The chances are that the fried food items might have been cooked in reused oil.
Rajkumar Wadhwa, gastroenterologist, said that cooking oil turns toxic when it is cooled and reheated.
Food items fried in reused oil are not safe for human consumption, often leading to complaints of abdominal pain, loose stools and bloating sensation, he said.
Srikanth Kashyap, president of Arivu Samsthe, a voluntary organisation, said that he came across several people in the city complaining of an upset stomach after eating fried food items.
As most of them had eaten the fried food stuff from roadside eateries or hotels as cooking oil is reused rampantly, Arivu Samsthe approached the Designated Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSA) in Mysuru to take necessary steps as a large number of tourists will be visiting the City during Dasara.
On Thursday, volunteers of Arivu Samsthe, along with Food Safety Officer of Mysuru, M.S. Lokesha, went around the city creating awareness among roadside eateries and hotels against reusing cooking oil.
The office of the FSSA in Mysuru had also noticed that coriander leaves, chillies, curry leaves and other vegetables used by the eateries were not cleaned properly.
“Many have pesticide residues that should be cleaned with salt water,” Mr. Lokesha said.
As part of an awareness campaign on Thursday, fruit sellers were also warned against selling apples having a coat of wax and fruits ripened artificially using banned chemicals like calcium carbide.
The officials of the FSSA have been authorised to levy a penalty up to Rs 1 lakh against traders under the Food Safety Standards Act 2006, he added.
Rajasthan bans mawa until further orders to keep a check on adulteration
Rajasthan government has banned mawa and all its products to keep a check on possible adulteration during the coming festive season.
It was informed by chief food safety commissioner B R Meena to the Jaipur High Court, which was hearing a petition seeking court intervention on adulterated mawa in the state. In fact, the problem prevails across the country during festive seasons.
The state government has banned mawa and mawa products in Rajasthan by an order dated October 7, Meena told the court.
According to the notice issued by Rajasthan government, the government had banned mawa on the directions issued by the High Court until further order. The state food safety commissioner told the High Court that the ban would be imposed seriously and subsequently the orders in this regard would be issued to all the relevant local authorities.
The single-judge bench of the High Court called the commissioner to take stock of the situation as to what action and precautions were being taken during Diwali.
Meanwhile, no such move has been reported from other parts of the country. UPFDA assistant commissioner Vijay Bahadur stated that there was no such move in the state of Uttar Pradesh. However the state food safety department would ensure that spurious food products were not sold in the state during the festive season.
The state government has banned mawa and mawa products in Rajasthan by an order dated October 7, Meena told the court.
According to the notice issued by Rajasthan government, the government had banned mawa on the directions issued by the High Court until further order. The state food safety commissioner told the High Court that the ban would be imposed seriously and subsequently the orders in this regard would be issued to all the relevant local authorities.
The single-judge bench of the High Court called the commissioner to take stock of the situation as to what action and precautions were being taken during Diwali.
Meanwhile, no such move has been reported from other parts of the country. UPFDA assistant commissioner Vijay Bahadur stated that there was no such move in the state of Uttar Pradesh. However the state food safety department would ensure that spurious food products were not sold in the state during the festive season.
HC grants respite to Amway, dismisses PIL against its products
Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court granted respite to FMCG major Amway Enterprises on Thursday by dismissing a PIL demanding the ban of its products.
A division bench comprising Justice Bhushan Gavai and Justice Prasanna Varale stated that prima facie the studies didn't find any product unfit for the consumption. The court however asked Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) to take action as per laws if Amway's products were found to be unfit for consumption in future.
The PIL filed was by social workers — Sachin Khobragde and Jammu Anand — through their counsel Nihalsingh Rathod. Citing provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, the petitioners prayed for directives to FSSAI to recall all Amway products which are being sold without valid license/approval/NOC, and investigations from an independent body into entire episode. They also demanded conducting audit of FSSAI.
During last hearing, the court directed FSSAI to go ahead with its action of recalling its seven products after those were found unfit for consumption in their scientific studies.
FSSAI had filed an affidavit stating that as many as 37 products of chain marketing major were put under scanner of which seven were found to contain more than permissible quantities of minerals and vitamins, as per studies conducted by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute for Nutrition (NIN). All these products were found without mandatory licenses/no-objection certificates (NOC)/product approvals from the food authority.
Out of 37 products were under the scanner, seven including — Nutrilite Natural B tablets, Calcium Magnesium D, Nutrilite Iron Folic tablets, Nutrilite Bio C, Positrim Vanilla, and Nutrilite Kids Drink in mixed fruit flavour had been rejected by the food authority. NOC's of Nutrilite Salmon Omega 3, Nutrilite CH Balance and Nutrilite Fiber were expired, still they were being sold.
The petitioners had claimed that despite being directed by FSSAI to recall them, the company is still selling them openly in the market.
A division bench comprising Justice Bhushan Gavai and Justice Prasanna Varale stated that prima facie the studies didn't find any product unfit for the consumption. The court however asked Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) to take action as per laws if Amway's products were found to be unfit for consumption in future.
The PIL filed was by social workers — Sachin Khobragde and Jammu Anand — through their counsel Nihalsingh Rathod. Citing provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, the petitioners prayed for directives to FSSAI to recall all Amway products which are being sold without valid license/approval/NOC, and investigations from an independent body into entire episode. They also demanded conducting audit of FSSAI.
During last hearing, the court directed FSSAI to go ahead with its action of recalling its seven products after those were found unfit for consumption in their scientific studies.
FSSAI had filed an affidavit stating that as many as 37 products of chain marketing major were put under scanner of which seven were found to contain more than permissible quantities of minerals and vitamins, as per studies conducted by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute for Nutrition (NIN). All these products were found without mandatory licenses/no-objection certificates (NOC)/product approvals from the food authority.
Out of 37 products were under the scanner, seven including — Nutrilite Natural B tablets, Calcium Magnesium D, Nutrilite Iron Folic tablets, Nutrilite Bio C, Positrim Vanilla, and Nutrilite Kids Drink in mixed fruit flavour had been rejected by the food authority. NOC's of Nutrilite Salmon Omega 3, Nutrilite CH Balance and Nutrilite Fiber were expired, still they were being sold.
The petitioners had claimed that despite being directed by FSSAI to recall them, the company is still selling them openly in the market.
Maggi Ban: Nestle Questions Jurisdiction of Consumer Commission to Try Suit
NEW DELHI: Nestle India Limited today questioned the jurisdiction of the apex consumer commission to try a Rs. 640 crore suit filed by the Centre against it for alleged unfair trade practices pertaining to its popular noodles brand, Maggi, saying the Bombay High Court has already dismissed a similar plea.
The company told the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) that there was nothing new in the government's suit as all the contentions were dismissed by the High Court in its August 13 order, which had set aside the countrywide ban on its Maggi noodles.
The counsel appearing for the firm said that Department of Consumer Affairs in its present suit has not relied upon any new evidence than what was proposed before the High Court.
Citing Bombay High Court order, the company sought to recall an earlier NCDRC order by which it had admitted the government's present suit against the noodles manufacturer.
In its petition, Department of Consumer Affairs has alleged that Nestle India had "indulged in unfair trade practices by false labelling of Maggi Noodles in as much as it states 'No added MSG' prominently on packet, despite presence of MSG."
It also sought a direction to the company to recall all "defective" and "hazardous goods" with respect to Maggi noodles with Tastemaker in all its variants and Maggi Oats Masala Noodles with Tastemaker, and sought a direction to it for issuance of corrective advertisement to neutralise the effect of the misleading advertisements.
"This commission be pleased to direct the opponent company to remove 'No added MSG' from the packets and labels of all the variants of Maggi noodles.... This commission be pleased to direct the opponent company to ensure strict compliance with labelling regulations for its entire range of products," the department's complaint, filed before the commission, said.
Nestle India also raised doubts on the samples collected by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and claimed that these might have been tampered with.
The commission's bench, headed by Justice VK Jain, fixed the matter for October 15 for further hearing.
The company told the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) that there was nothing new in the government's suit as all the contentions were dismissed by the High Court in its August 13 order, which had set aside the countrywide ban on its Maggi noodles.
The counsel appearing for the firm said that Department of Consumer Affairs in its present suit has not relied upon any new evidence than what was proposed before the High Court.
Citing Bombay High Court order, the company sought to recall an earlier NCDRC order by which it had admitted the government's present suit against the noodles manufacturer.
In its petition, Department of Consumer Affairs has alleged that Nestle India had "indulged in unfair trade practices by false labelling of Maggi Noodles in as much as it states 'No added MSG' prominently on packet, despite presence of MSG."
It also sought a direction to the company to recall all "defective" and "hazardous goods" with respect to Maggi noodles with Tastemaker in all its variants and Maggi Oats Masala Noodles with Tastemaker, and sought a direction to it for issuance of corrective advertisement to neutralise the effect of the misleading advertisements.
"This commission be pleased to direct the opponent company to remove 'No added MSG' from the packets and labels of all the variants of Maggi noodles.... This commission be pleased to direct the opponent company to ensure strict compliance with labelling regulations for its entire range of products," the department's complaint, filed before the commission, said.
Nestle India also raised doubts on the samples collected by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and claimed that these might have been tampered with.
The commission's bench, headed by Justice VK Jain, fixed the matter for October 15 for further hearing.
Maggi ban: Nestle questions NCDRC’s jurisdiction to try suit
Nestle India Limited today questioned the jurisdiction of the apex consumer court to try the Centre's Rs 640 crore suit against it for alleged unfair trade practices pertaining to Maggi noodles, saying the Bombay High Court has already dismissed a similar plea.
Nestle India Limited today questioned the jurisdiction of the apex consumer court to try the Centre’s Rs 640 crore suit against it for alleged unfair trade practices pertaining to Maggi noodles, saying the Bombay High Court has already dismissed a similar plea.
The company told the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) that there was nothing new in the government’s suit as all the contentions were dismissed by the High Court in its August 13 order, which had set aside the countrywide ban on its Maggi noodles.
The counsel appearing for the firm said that Department of Consumer Affairs in its present suit has not relied upon any new evidence than what was proposed before the High Court.
The noodle manufacturer also raised doubts on the samples collected by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and claimed that these might have been tampered with.
The commission’s bench, headed by Justice V K Jain, fixed the matter for October 15 for further hearing.
Citing Bombay High Court order, the company sought to recall an earlier NCDRC order by which it had admitted the government’s present suit against the noodles manufacturer.
In its petition, Department of Consumer Affairs has alleged that Nestle India had “indulged in unfair trade practices by false labelling of Maggi Noodles in as much as it states ‘No added MSG’ prominently on packet, despite presence of MSG.”
The department has also alleged that the company sold “defective” goods to the public by selling Maggi noodles with the presence of lead and MSG and indulged in unfair trade practices by offering for sale Maggi Oats Masala Noodles with Tastemaker without risk assessment and product approval.
It also sought a direction to the company to recall all “defective” and “hazardous goods” with respect to Maggi noodles with Tastemaker in all its variants and Maggi Oats Masala Noodles with Tastemaker, and sought a direction to it for issuance of corrective advertisement to neutralise the effect of the misleading advertisements.
“This commission be pleased to direct the opponent company to remove ‘No added MSG’ from the packets and labels of all the variants of Maggi noodles…. This commission be pleased to direct the opponent company to ensure strict compliance with labelling regulations for its entire range of products,” the department’s complaint, filed before the commission, said.
Nestle India Limited today questioned the jurisdiction of the apex consumer court to try the Centre’s Rs 640 crore suit against it for alleged unfair trade practices pertaining to Maggi noodles, saying the Bombay High Court has already dismissed a similar plea.
The company told the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) that there was nothing new in the government’s suit as all the contentions were dismissed by the High Court in its August 13 order, which had set aside the countrywide ban on its Maggi noodles.
The counsel appearing for the firm said that Department of Consumer Affairs in its present suit has not relied upon any new evidence than what was proposed before the High Court.
The noodle manufacturer also raised doubts on the samples collected by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and claimed that these might have been tampered with.
The commission’s bench, headed by Justice V K Jain, fixed the matter for October 15 for further hearing.
Citing Bombay High Court order, the company sought to recall an earlier NCDRC order by which it had admitted the government’s present suit against the noodles manufacturer.
In its petition, Department of Consumer Affairs has alleged that Nestle India had “indulged in unfair trade practices by false labelling of Maggi Noodles in as much as it states ‘No added MSG’ prominently on packet, despite presence of MSG.”
The department has also alleged that the company sold “defective” goods to the public by selling Maggi noodles with the presence of lead and MSG and indulged in unfair trade practices by offering for sale Maggi Oats Masala Noodles with Tastemaker without risk assessment and product approval.
It also sought a direction to the company to recall all “defective” and “hazardous goods” with respect to Maggi noodles with Tastemaker in all its variants and Maggi Oats Masala Noodles with Tastemaker, and sought a direction to it for issuance of corrective advertisement to neutralise the effect of the misleading advertisements.
“This commission be pleased to direct the opponent company to remove ‘No added MSG’ from the packets and labels of all the variants of Maggi noodles…. This commission be pleased to direct the opponent company to ensure strict compliance with labelling regulations for its entire range of products,” the department’s complaint, filed before the commission, said.
Why Fresh Food Safety Tests on Maggi, Asks Nestle India
NEW DELHI: Nestle India today asked the apex consumer court why fresh food safety tests were being ordered on Maggi noodles when a similar exercise has already been conducted as per the directions of the Bombay High Court.
The matter came up before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which heard it for nearly three hours.
The bench of Justice VK Jain and Justice BC Gupta was hearing a class action suit filed against Nestle India.
The case pertains to high levels of lead found in samples of the company's marquee brand Maggi.
It said the commission would hear the application again on October 15 with regard to fresh tests on Maggi samples.
Nestle, however, took an aggressive stand and said the NCDRC has no jurisdiction to hear the government's class action suit.
"We are waiting for the results of the samples from three government-recommended laboratories as it was ordered by the high court. As such what is the need of parallel tests," Nestle's attorney asked about the suit filed by the consumer affairs ministry for alleged unfair trade practices by Nestle.
Nestle's attorney said sampling should not be done to devalue the larger bench.
In what it says amounts to judicial indiscipline, Nestle argued that the Maggi issue was covered under the Food Safety and Standards Act and that in itself was wide in scope for providing for adjudication of disputes.
The company says there is no room available for the Consumer Protection Act to operate in this matter and the grounds of the government's class action suit have already been covered and dismissed by the Bombay High Court.
Apprehensions about the samples being tampered with cannot be ruled out as they were not recommended either by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officials or the consumer directly, the counsel said.
On the issue of monosodium glutamate (MSG), the attorney said MSG was permitted for seasoning in noodles and since the product was not meant for children below 12 months of age, mentioning "No added MSG" on the packet was not mandatory.
The matter came up before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which heard it for nearly three hours.
The bench of Justice VK Jain and Justice BC Gupta was hearing a class action suit filed against Nestle India.
The case pertains to high levels of lead found in samples of the company's marquee brand Maggi.
It said the commission would hear the application again on October 15 with regard to fresh tests on Maggi samples.
Nestle, however, took an aggressive stand and said the NCDRC has no jurisdiction to hear the government's class action suit.
"We are waiting for the results of the samples from three government-recommended laboratories as it was ordered by the high court. As such what is the need of parallel tests," Nestle's attorney asked about the suit filed by the consumer affairs ministry for alleged unfair trade practices by Nestle.
Nestle's attorney said sampling should not be done to devalue the larger bench.
In what it says amounts to judicial indiscipline, Nestle argued that the Maggi issue was covered under the Food Safety and Standards Act and that in itself was wide in scope for providing for adjudication of disputes.
The company says there is no room available for the Consumer Protection Act to operate in this matter and the grounds of the government's class action suit have already been covered and dismissed by the Bombay High Court.
Apprehensions about the samples being tampered with cannot be ruled out as they were not recommended either by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officials or the consumer directly, the counsel said.
On the issue of monosodium glutamate (MSG), the attorney said MSG was permitted for seasoning in noodles and since the product was not meant for children below 12 months of age, mentioning "No added MSG" on the packet was not mandatory.
Karnataka to Consider Revoking Maggi Ban
Four months after Karnataka banned Maggi noodles, the state government is considering withdrawing the ban as the original reasons for it do not appear to have stood up to scrutiny.
The ban was invoked by the Karnataka government after directions from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to temporarily stop Nestle India from manufacturing or selling its noodles, including variants, in the state as a precautionary measure to ensure public health.
After preliminary results of tests conducted at a private lab in Karnataka indicated that the levels of lead in the noodles were above the permissible limit, the state health department advised stakeholders to refrain from marketing, distributing and selling the noodles, and also asked the public not to consume it.
On Wednesday, the state Health Minister, UT Khader, said that the government was contemplating withdrawing the ban as toxins such as lead and monosodium glutamate were found to be within permissible limits in samples tested here.
Khader told the Times of India there was lack of clarity on why the ban was in place in the state.
We are thinking of lifting the ban on sale of Maggi, as there’s no clarity on why the ban was imposed in the first place. We followed the Centre’s directive and tested Maggi samples in labs accredited by the National Accreditation of Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Results showed lead content was within permissible limits. We tested the same sample in a lab in Kolkata, where the lead content was found to be 2.6 particles per million (ppm). We don’t know which result to believe now. How can the same sample show different results in different places?
— UT Khader, Karnataka Health Minister
Maggi Clears the Test
An NABL-accredited lab in Nagarbhavi, south Bengaluru had tested samples of Maggi in which the lead content was recorded at 0.05 ppm; the permissible limit is 2.5 ppm.
The Times of India quoted Khader saying, “If the Centre questions our decision, we’ll ask it to provide scientific evidence to continue with it.”
However, the minister added he wasn’t sure if the product will hit the market again.
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