The Indian government confirmed it has filed a complaint against Nestle over the Maggi recall, seeking damages of INR6.34bn (US$99m).

The country's consumer affairs department yesterday (11 August) filed the complaint with the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) alleging that Nestle sold "unsafe" and "hazardous" products and indulged in "misleading" and "deceptive" advertising. An official at the Department of Consumer Affairs confirmed to just-food that the complaint has been lodged.

Confirmation of the complaint follows press reports that India's consumer watchdog would seek compensation from Nestle over the Maggi scare, which saw the company remove products from Indian shelves in June. Maggi noodles are yet to return to the market.

Commenting yesterday, a spokesperson for Nestle told just-food it has yet to receive official confirmation of the move. Nestle did not immediately respond to requests for further comment this morning.

Nestle is in the process of challenging the ban on Maggi noodles in the Bombay High Court. The company is contesting the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India tests that detected elevated levels of lead and insists that its Maggi noodles on sale in India are "safe".

Because the case is sub judice, the company said it is unable to comment further on proceedings.

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