Take action against Maggi brand ambassadors, officials: CAIT

Noting that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has commenced proceedings against Maggi noodles, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Sunday demanded action against its brand ambassadors and the officials, too, who approved the product.

In a communication to union Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan and Health Minister J.P. Nadda, the CAIT said: "When proceedings against Maggi are launched by the FSSAI, why is no action being taken against its brand ambassadors and the chain of officials who approved the product despite it having either deficiencies or exaggerated claims."

In a press release here, the CAIT said it is worried as lakhs of traders across the country dealing in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) products are suffering losses due to the Maggi controversy since it has damaged the confidence of consumers and the traders as well.

"The brand ambassadors of Maggi have violated section 24 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and, therefore, proceedings must be initiated against them also besided taking action against the manufacturer," CAIT national president B.C. Bhartia and secretary general Praveen Khandelwal told the ministers, according to the release.

They urged Paswan and Nadda to take immediate cognizance of the issue and issue appropriate directions to the authorities concerned.

Maggi brand ambassadors include Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta.

Maggi noodles -- manufactured by the multinational Nestle -- is facing flak after its samples were found to contain excessive lead higher than permissible limits. A number of states in India have banned the product while others are awaiting results of laboratory tests.