Consumer body allows testing of 16 more Maggi samples

The apex consumer commission has directed further testing of 16 more samples of Maggi noodles in connection with the government’s Rs 640 crore suit against Nestle India for alleged unfair trade practices, saying that “safety and interest of consumer has to be prime consideration in such matters”. 

A Bench of the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC) passed the order, while rejecting the company’s contention that if the request made by the Centre is granted, the process of testing will become an unending one. 

“It cannot be disputed that some doubt on the safety of the product will continue to persist till the issue involved is finally decided by way of an adjudication based on the laboratory reports. But, the product in question being a food product of mass consumption by almost every section of society, it is imperative to test and analyse its ingredients in an exhaustive manner, before a clean chit can be given to it,” the NCDRC said.

Reacting to the development, Nestle India said, “We are disappointed that the honorable Commission had yesterday passed an order, directing further testing of 16 samples at the Export Inspection Laboratory, Mumbai.”