Maggi row: Counsel says FSSAI can act on mere suspicion

In the ongoing tussle between Nestle and Food and Safety Standards Act of India (FSSAI), the government counsel on Wednesday argued in the Bombay High Court that the food regulator need not wait for a proper report from any accredited lab, before taking action on any company. The government counsel reiterated the three aspects of its ban order, saying the violations found by FSSAI included excessive lead content, misleading labels and launch of the Maggi Oats noodles without prior approval.It argued that mere suspicion was enough for FSSAI to take action against the brand as FSSAI had mandated to monitor manufacturing and distribution of safe, wholesome food. The next hearing for Nestle and FSSAI is slated for Thursday.