Why Should Kids Have Maggi Noodles with Lead?

Is Maggi under trouble? In a setback to Nestle, the Supreme Court (SC) revived the class action suit of the Central government against Nestle India initiated by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) for lead content in the popular noodles brand consumed by millions of people. Earlier in June 2015, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the sale of Maggi claiming that it contained harmful monosodium glutamate (MSG) and excess lead. Following this, in 2017, huge tonnes of Maggi was destroyed because it failed to meet the health safety norms. Further, the government has moved a class action against Nestle seeking compensation for damages worth Rs. 640 crore on charges of unfair trade practices, false labeling, and misleading advertisements.

Nestle India, the makers of Maggi, claimed that the lead content in Maggi noodles was below detectable limits. However, during the hearing, the Justice Chandrachud asked: "Why should we eat Maggi with lead in it?".

Senior lawyer AM Singhvi, appearing for Nestle, said: “The lead content was found to be within the permissible limit, and there is some amount of lead in lots of products.”

The apex court’s ruling suggests that Nestle may have to review its packaging and change the way it advertises the noodle brand. But, Nestle in a statement said that it welcomed the orders passed by the Supreme Court in the Maggi noodles matter.

FSSAI has also said that Nestle violated labeling regulations on taste enhancer 'monosodium glutamate (MSG)' and ordered the company to submit a compliance report on its orders. The case has started a huge debate in the nation again.

Source-Medindia