MUMBAI: An activist has moved a court here seeking registration of a case against food giant Nestle, its directors and cine actors who endorsed Maggi noodles as samples of the popular snack have been found to be unsafe for consumption and banned in nearly a dozen states.
In a complaint filed in the magistrate's court in suburban Andheri today, social activist Nicholes Almeida sought action against them under relevant sections of IPC for allegedly manufacturing and marketing a noxious food item.
"We have filed a complaint in the Court against Nestle, its directors and actors Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta, seeking registration of a case against them," said Pradeep Shetty, who filed the complaint on behalf of Almeida.
The complaint alleged that the respondents have committed offences under Sections 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 273 (sale of noxious food or drink) of Indian Penal Code. According to the complaint, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), a common taste enhancer, was found beyond permissible limits in the Maggi noodles.
"(The office-bearers) of Nestle knowingly marketed and sold the product with the help of actors, who enjoy wide popularity," it said.
The Maggi packets fail to state the content of MSG, whose consumption is harmful beyond a certain limit. The Swiss multinational food group's officer-bearers sold a product that is noxious and unfit for human consumption.
The actors, on the other hand, targeted millions of unsuspecting children and lured them by fancy advertisements, the activist alleged.
Attempts to contact Nestle and the actors for their reaction over the complaint proved futile.
Last week, Nestle global CEO Paul Bulcke said Maggi is safe for consumption, but the company is withdrawing the product, banned in nearly a dozen states, from Indian market due to "unfounded confusions" that has affected the consumer trust.