HC refuses relief to Nestle

The high court (HC) here has refused to grant interim relief to Nestlé India in the Maggi recall case. The court directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra, and the state government to file replies to the company's petition in two weeks. The next hearing is on June 30. Nestlé India had moved court on Thursday against the Indian food regulator and the Maharashtra body. The Indian subsidiary of the Swiss food major had sought a stay on the order to recall its Maggi noodles from outlets across India, as well as to stop its production. The company is fighting for "natural justice", terming the move by FSSAI "arbitrary" and "illegal". Senior counsel Iqbal Chagla, representing the company, said all packets, around 350 million, are being withdrawn. However, FSSAI counsel Mehmood Pracha said they were still available with retailers and the company needed to do more.   BS