Indian Authorities File For Damages After Maggi Noodles Food Scare

Authorities in India have filed for damages from global food group Nestlé after claims of excessive lead in Maggi Noodles culminated in a nationwide recall of the product, Reuters reports. Officials told the news agency that the action against the company is the first instance of the Indian government seeking damages from a multinational.

The semi-judicial National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) will preside over the case against Nestlé, which insists that its cheap and ubiquitous noodles—seen by many Indians as a “third staple” after rice and lentils—are safe.

Although fallout from the food scare is expected to affect the Nestlé brand in India, the country only accounts for one percent of Nestlé’s annual sales.

The case against the company is expected to be heard next week. Meanwhile, authorities have asked regional regulators to check samples of other instant noodle brands in the country.