SC seeks clarification from Mysore lab on Maggi samples

The Supreme Court today asked the government laboratory in Mysore to further clarify whether test reports relating to lead and glutamic acid in Maggi noodles are within permissible parameters under the law.

The apex court passed the order after perusing two communications received from the Mysore laboratory which had carried out the test about the monosodium glutamate (MSG) content in the samples.

While Nestle India, makers of Maggi, claimed that the lead content was within the permissible limit prescribed under the Food Safety Act, the Centre said there was a need for comprehensive findings of all other parameters.

Making it clear that it was not passing any interim order, a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said there was a need for the clarification.

"We have perused the test reports. We would like Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore to apprise this court on two aspects, whether the test report relating to lead and glutamic acid are within the permissible parameters and to clarify that those are within parameters prescribed under the Food Safety Act," the bench, also comprising Justice N V Ramana, said.

The bench further said the institute in Mysore shall also give clarification on the test relating to glutamic acid.

The bench said additionally if the institute feels more samples were necessary, it can requisition the same from the authority concerned.

The bench said for the additional samples the court may communicate with the joint registrar, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), who was appointed as local commissioner. He shall collect the samples from FSSAI godown in lucknow.

The court said the entire exercise has to be carried out within eight weeks and posted the matter for April 5.

The court had on December 16, last year ordered testing of samples of Maggi noodles in the Mysore laboratory after NCDRC had directed that it be done in Chennai.