New Delhi: Nestle India Chief Suresh Narayanan today said the Indian arm of the company is trying to get Maggi noodles back into the market by the year-end.
In an interview with India Today TV, Mr Narayanan said: "We are targeting to get the product (into the market) by the end of this year. By the end of September the process of testing, which has been directed by the Bombay High Court should be completed."
Nestle India chief said if Maggi noodles clear all the tests by accredited laboratories, as directed by the Bombay High Court, the Swiss company would start manufacturing the popular noodles in India, after which there would be another round of tests.
Regarding Rs.640 crore class action suit filed by the government for unfair trade practices, Mr Narayanan said the company was extremely "disappointed".
"As far as Nestle is concerned, we are very disappointed with the case that has been preferred on us. It's a case on the grounds entirely based on FSSAI's contentions which have been presented before the high court," he said.
"This is a question of our trust and reputation, and we would defend it vigorously when called upon to do so," Mr Narayanan added.
He said the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) legitimacy and importance has never been under contention, as far as Nestle is concerned.
The Bombay High Court on August 13 lifted the ban on Maggi noodles, ordering fresh tests within six weeks to check if it complies with the country's food safety norms.
On June 5, the industry watchdog had said in its ban order that tests conducted on a batch of Maggi were found to contain more-than-permissible levels of lead and high quantities of mono-sodium glutamate (MSG).
The company, following the watchdog's observation and ban, had recalled the product from the market.
In an interview with India Today TV, Mr Narayanan said: "We are targeting to get the product (into the market) by the end of this year. By the end of September the process of testing, which has been directed by the Bombay High Court should be completed."
Nestle India chief said if Maggi noodles clear all the tests by accredited laboratories, as directed by the Bombay High Court, the Swiss company would start manufacturing the popular noodles in India, after which there would be another round of tests.
"As far as Nestle is concerned, we are very disappointed with the case that has been preferred on us. It's a case on the grounds entirely based on FSSAI's contentions which have been presented before the high court," he said.
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He said the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) legitimacy and importance has never been under contention, as far as Nestle is concerned.
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On June 5, the industry watchdog had said in its ban order that tests conducted on a batch of Maggi were found to contain more-than-permissible levels of lead and high quantities of mono-sodium glutamate (MSG).
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