Got notice from FSSAI: Patanjali

The fast-moving consumer goods venture has been accused of launching instant noodles without approval

Patanjali Ayurved, the fast-moving consumer goods venture promoted by yoga guru Ramdev, on Tuesday said it had received notice from food safety regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which had accused it of launching instant noodles without approval. "We have received notice from FSSAI on Tuesday and we will give reply to it," said a company spokesperson in New Delhi, without elaborating details. Last week, FSSAI had said Patanjali did not have approval for its newly-launched instant noodles, but the firm had strongly denied it.

FSSAI Chairperson Ashish Bahuguna had stated that no approval or licence was granted to Patanjali for its instant noodles, and for instant noodles companies needed to take prior approval.

He had said Patanjali Ayurved have not taken approval for it.

Patanjali, however, strongly denied FSSAI's claims and insisted that it has licence for Pasta, under which noodles fall, as per the regulator's classification.

The company further said FSSAI has already admitted that it was no longer possible for the regulator to continue with process of product approvals, which was facilitated through an advisory in May 2013, following a Supreme Court order in August this year that upheld an order of Bombay High Court on the issue.

According to FSSAI's May 2013 advisory, food products covering a broad spectrum including "novel foods, functional foods, food supplements, irradiated foods, genetically modified foods, foods for special dietary uses or extracts or concentrates of botanicals, herbs or of animal sources" should apply for product approval.

The High Court had ruled that the advisory does not have any statutory backing, but the FSSAI had approached the apex court against the verdict.

Patanjali had launched 'Atta Noodles' earlier this month in 70 gram packs priced at Rs 15, claiming to be cheaper than competitors, with an eye to take on market leader Nestle's Maggi, which returned to the shelves five months after FSSAI had banned it.