In a major setback for FMCG giant Nestle, the company admitted to presence of lead in its popular noodles and the Supreme Court has observed why any amount of lead should be present in the first place.

• 

In a major setback to Nestle, the company admitted to the presence of lead in its popular FMCG product of popular noodles. The Supreme Court on Thursday was given this admittance by the lawyers of the company as the case was being heard.

The court hearing was a clear indication that the Government vs Nestle debate was again ignited after the safety of the immensely popular noodles was questioned. The Supreme Court has revived action suit against Nestle initiated by NCDRC for lead content in Maggi.

Earlier in 2017, a huge stash of tonnes of the product was destroyed because it failed the health safety norms. Moreover, the government has moved a class action against Nestle seeking damages of Rs 640 crore.

The SC judge asked the Nestle counsel why should he eat noodles with any lead content when it was argued that the content of highly toxic lead was within ‘permissible’ limits. The hearing has once again opened a long-standing debate about the safety of the food products that are being fed to millions of children and adults across the nation.

Below is Nestle India Statement regarding the SC hearing:

Nestlé India welcomes the orders passed by Hon’ble Supreme Court today.
 
Nestlé India had challenged two interim orders of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) before the Hon’ble Supreme Court in 2015.  As per directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court, samples were sent to Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) and the analysis results showed that samples were compliant for Lead and other relevant parameters. 
 
The appeal filed by Nestlé India against the two interim orders passed by National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) came up for hearing today. As per the lawyers  who appeared for Nestle, Hon’ble Supreme court in view of reports received from CFTRI, has agreed with Nestlé’s contention and has set aside both the interim orders passed by NCDRC which were challenged by Nestle.

The Supreme Court has also directed that the reports received from CFTRI will be the basis for proceedings before NCDRC. Full details will be known only after receipt of the order by the Company.  

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/amp/mirror-now/in-focus/article/nestle-admits-to-presence-of-lead-in-maggi-supreme-court-makes-scathing-observations/341058