The Shahjahanpur court of additional district magistrate has imposed a total fine of Rs 62,00,000 on consumer goods giant Nestle and its distributors after a laboratory report confirmed the presence of higher ash content than permissible in samples of Maggi noodles. Seven packets were collected and sent for testing at a laboratory in Lucknow in 2015, and the report was received in 2016, following which seven cases were lodged at the ADM's court. The court has levied Rs 45,00,000 of the total fine on Nestle India, Rs 15,00,000 on distributors, and Rs 2,00,000 each on two sellers.
A Nestle India spokesperson has, however, rejected the allegation, saying, “We strongly reiterate that Maggi noodles are 100 per cent safe for consumption. While we have not received the orders passed by the adjudication officer, we have been informed that the samples are of 2015 and the issue pertains to 'ash content' in Noodles. This appears to be a case of application of incorrect standards, and we will file an appeal urgently once we receive the order. In 2015, Nestle India and other companies had represented to the relevant authorities, via industry associations, to set standards specific to instant noodles to avoid confusion amongst enforcement officers and consumers. The standards have since been introduced and the product complies with these standards. We regret the confusion it may cause to consumers.”
Samples sent to the laboratory included Maggi Masala noodles, Maggi Nutrilicious Pazzta, and Maggi Atta Noodles. “Ash content in Maggi samples exceeded the prescribed limit of 1 per cent. Maggi is consumed mostly by children and playing with the health of people by providing sub-standard products is something that cannot be pardoned under any circumstances,” ADM JK Sharma said as he levied the fines.
