Government files class action suit against Nestle India

"The Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has filed a complaint under section 12(1)(d) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC)," rad a government statement.

"The Department has filed this class action suit on behalf of the large number of consumers of Maggi in the country against Nestle India on grounds of unfair trade practices, sale of defective goods and sale of Maggi Oats Noodles to the public without product approval," it said.

"The complainant has sought a sum of Rs 284, 55,00,000 (Rupees two hundred and eighty-four crores and fifty five lakhs) that the Opponent Company is liable to pay and a sum of Rs. 355,40,70,000 (Rupees three hundred and fifty five crores forty lakhs and seventy thousand only) as punitive damages on account of the gross negligence, apathy and callousness on the part of the Opponent Company. Thus, the total claim is for a Sum of Rs.639,95,70,000/- (Rupees six hundred and thirty nine crores and ninety five lakhs and seventy thousand )," read the statement.

FSSAI had earlier ordered Nestle to recall nine variants of Maggi instant noodles from market and it found then 'unsafe and hazardous' for human consumption for presence of  lead in excess of permissible limits and the "misleading" labelling on the packets saying 'no added MSG' and releasing a non standardised food product.

Nestle has temporarily withdrawn Maggi from market.