Multinational giant Nestle is under the scanner once again as it has been fined ₹45 lakh after samples of its product Maggi tested as “sub-standard” in a district of Uttar Pradesh.
Apart from the ₹45 lakh fine imposed on Nestle, the Shahjahanpur administration has also imposed a fine of ₹17 lakh on the six distributors of the company, making the total ₹62 lakh.
Shahjahanpur Additional District Magistrate Jitendra Kumar Sharma confirmed the administration's decision to The Hindu . “In total there were seven cases. The samples tested by the Food and Safety department of the district were found to be sub-standard,” Mr. Sharma said.
Responding to the fine, a Nestle India spokesperson said it “appears to be a case of application of incorrect standards.”
The company will file an appeal once it receives the order from the U.P. administration.
“We strongly reiterate that Maggi Noodles are 100% safe for consumption. While we have not received the orders passed by the adjudication officer, we have been informed that the samples are of year 2015 and the issue pertains to ‘ash content’ in Noodles,” the spokesperson said.
“In 2015, Nestlé 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.”
