Amidst Nestle India striving hard to bring back its most popular product Maggi into the market, Himachal government is considering the company’s request to lift ban imposed on the noodles earlier this year.
The Nestle India has approached Himachal government couple of days ago seeking permission to resume manufacture of Maggi at its Tahliwal plant.
Confirming to HT, Health and food Safety director Rameshwar Sharma said government had received a letter from Nestle India regarding lifting the ban. “We will consider the application and look into the technicalities. After all this is related to public health,” Sharma said.
The company sent the letter enclosed with the Bombay high court order quashing the ban imposed on the noodles brand. Maggi had cleared the lab tests as mandated by the Bombay high court and is since thriving hard to reintroduce the noodles at the earliest.
“Directorate of health safety will examine the request on grounds whether the Food Safety and standard authority of India (FSSAI) should be consulted before lifting the ban. Nestle, if permitted to start manufacturing at Tahliwal plant, will have to get samples tested before resuming sales.
In June, Swiss foods major-Nestle had been asked to withdraw its product from the marker after it came under national scrutiny over high content of lead and mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) in its samples tested at various laboratories.
{{/usCountry}}In June, Swiss foods major-Nestle had been asked to withdraw its product from the marker after it came under national scrutiny over high content of lead and mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) in its samples tested at various laboratories.
{{/usCountry}}The ban weighed heavy on Nestle India’s financial performance as it reported one-time loss of Rs 452 crore in a quarter.
Nestle unit at Tahliwal Production: 1.26lakh MT
Products: Maggi noodle, Chocolate
Plant setup: 2012
Employees: 370 (291 Himachalis)
Turnover: 550cr (2014-15)