Nestle asserts lead content in Maggi noodles is ‘below detectable limits’ following Supreme Court of India ruling to reopen class-action case

• During the Supreme Court hearing, Nestle India’s lawyer reportedly said that the reports have shown that lead in the product in question was ‘below detectable limits’ in its instant noodles.
  
• The instant noodles has been in trouble for allegedly having high quantities of lead and MSG (Monosodium Glutamate).
  
• The apex court gave greenlight to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) to proceed with a class-action suit against Nestle for allegedly selling Maggi noodles that failed to meet food standards.
  
• In 2015, the food regulator FSSAI banned Nestle’s Maggi for six months along with destroying over 30,000 tonnes of instant noodles.

Maggi noodles manufacturer, Nestle, welcomed Supreme Court’s ruling on Thursday, saying that it has marked a partial victory for them over Maggi noodles.

During the hearing, Nestle India’s lawyer reportedly said that the reports have shown that lead in the product in question was ‘below detectable limits’ in some samples while very little quantities of lead was detected in others. A senior counsel added by saying that ‘some amount of lead is present in a lot of products.’

Appearing for Nestle, he also said that the permissible limit of lead after scientific evaluation is 2.5 parts per million (PPM) and the tiny particles can come from nature.

The statement came as the Supreme Court gave greenlight to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) to proceed with class-action suit against Nestle for allegedly selling maggi noodles that failed to meet food standards. The instant noodles was questioned for allegedly having high quantities of lead and MSG (Monosodium Glutamate).

The apex Court also said that the samples tested in Central Food Technological Research Institute will form the basis of the proceedings.

The class-action suit was originally filed three years ago, against the food makers, seeking ₹6.4 billion as compensation for unfair trade practices, under Consumer Protection Act. Following this, the company appealed for stay orders until the samples seized are tested and analysed.

In 2015, the food regulator FSSAI banned Nestle’s maggi for six months along with destroying over 30,000 tonnes of instant noodles.

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