(Image source from: Maggi ban to continue})

The Bombay High Court has declined any immediate or temporary relief to the Swiss multinational Nestle, regarding the ban on its popular product “Maggi 2 minute noodles”. Nestle India has sought an interpretation of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2011, while seeking a judicial review of the order banning Maggi noodles, dated June 6, 2015 passed by the Food and Drug Administration in Maharashtra and another order dated June 5, 2015 passed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

While considering the petition of Nestle India, the bench opined that the product (Maggi) is already off the shelf and hence no stay on the ban is required at this stage. The court said that if the FSSAI wants to initiate prosecution against Nestle, it should give the Indian arm of the Swiss multinational 72 hours’ notice.

Maggi is banned because of the high content of lead and monosodium glutamate or MSG, a taste enhancer which is not good for health.

By Premji