Will take action if Maggi samples found unsafe: Paswan

Says Centre had had asked FSSAI to conduct independent tests on MSG levels in the product

Even as state governments and retailers continue to ban Maggi, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Thursday said that the central government would initiate action if samples sent for testing were found to be unsafe.

Paswan, who was in Ahmedabad for a roadshow on the NDA government's completion of one year at the helm, said that the government had taken suo moto cognizance and had asked FSSAI to conduct independent tests on MSG levels in the product.

"We are waiting for the test results before we can decide on action to be taken against the product and people endorsing it, if the samples are found to be unsafe," he said.

Citing examples of Goa where Maggi samples were given clean chit, the minister stated that it was upto each of the state to test and then initiate action. 

Paswan added that he had also directed National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) to initiate action. Paswan also said that the government was amending Consumer Protection Act to further safeguard consumer interests.

As part of the amendment, Paswan said that e-commerce websites were also being brought under the purview of consumer grievances. 

"Today, there are different consumer courts for different products and services. There needs to be a single authority for consumer protection. We are amending the act to bring in such an authority who has investigation rights over all kinds of products and services that affect a consumer," Paswan added.

Among other amendments, consumers will now not be required to appoint their own lawyers whereas judgment in consumer courts will now be delivered within 90 days of filing complaint, Paswan said.

Meanwhile, commenting on the recent news reports of the Somnath temple in Gujarat being off-limits for non-Hindus without prior permit, Paswan said the move was uncalled for.

"This is wrong. You cannot prevent anybody from entering temple on the basis of caste or religion," Paswan said during a media briefing here on Thursday. Authorities at the famous pilgrim place of Lord Shiva, the Somnath temple near Veraval in Saurashtra region of Gujarat have decided against entry to people following other faiths without prior permission.

Lamenting on sugarcane farmers' arrears having touched Rs 22000 crore from Rs 15000 crore, Paswan said, "We have had talks with farmers and mill owners and trying to address their demands such as increasing import duty from 15% to 40% and increasing export incentive from Rs 3300 per tonne on raw sugar to Rs 4000 per tonne."