FSSAI changes rules now there will be no ban court cases like Maggi MSG

FSSAI changes rules now there will be no ban court cases like Maggi MSG

In August 2015, BJP government filed a class action suit against Nestle India, the manufacturer of Maggi noodles, seeking Rs. 640 Crores in damages from the company for alleged unfair trade practices, false labelling and misleading advertisements.

Now FSSAI has issued a new order on March 31, 2016, in this order FSSAI says that
There is no analytical method to determine whether MSG was added to the product during its manufacture or was present already in the product."
To prevent both avoidable harassment/ prosecution of food business operators as well as to ensure that consumers are facilitated to exercise informed choices in respect of what they eat, proceedings may be launched against FBOs only when the labels state 'No MSG', or 'No Added MSG' and MSG is actually found in the impugned foodstuff.
Commissioners of food safety are advised that specific enforcement/prosecution may not be launched against the manufacturers of noodles / pasta on account of presence of MSG/Glutamic acid unless it is ascertained by the department that MSG flavor enhancer was deliberately added during the course of the manufacture without declaration on the label

the food regulator has ordered its sub regional offices in Lucknow and Chandigarh to be wound up with effect from March 31.

Reasons to close its sub regional offices in Lucknow and Chandigarh-
1-Limited Staff
2-Not adding value

From April 11, the FSSAI will carry out its regulatory work: licensing, enforcement and monitoring of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 remotely, from its New Delhi headquarters and four regional offices in Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Guwahati.

And FSSAI has closed down officially its sub- regional office of FSSAI on 31st March 2016 in Lucknow, the same office that was instrumental in seizing the contested samples of Maggi noodles.

As per media reports this Lucknow lab is in possession of what might be the only remaining samples of Maggi for future lab testing and sampling.

FSSAI also took the action on Business man Ramdev Baba, Patanjali Ayurved for manufacturing and selling atta noodles without requisite licenses.

TOI reported following
According to RTI information sought by TOI from the FSSAI Lucknow office, companies issued notices included
1-Nestle for its Maggi noodles
2-Mother Dairy for its 'Fruit Added Lassi', which RTI information shows was being sold across India without a product license
3-Hindustan Unilever for producing sub-standard bread under the label 'Modern
4-Abu Dhabibased Lulu Group's Amroon Foods for illegal slaughter at its Barabanki facility

After the closure of Lucknow office, a PIL was filed in the High Court
And Now the Allahabad high court has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to explain the rationale behind its decision to close its Lucknow office and delegate of control to the authority's New Delhi headquarters. The regulator has to file its reply within three weeks.

It’s good that FSSAI has clarified on the MSG problem.

Suggested Reading –

Using Eating Ajinomoto, Monosodium glutamate MSG is it good safe for Health


Reality views by sm –

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Tags – Maggi Msg FSSAI Close Office