Indian government seeking damages from Nestle India over alleged unsafe lead levels

An Indian official says the government is seeking damages from Nestle India, accusing it of unfair trade practices and false labeling after several states found its popular brand of instant noodles contained unsafe levels of lead.

The Consumer Affairs Ministry made the decision to seek damages, the official said Tuesday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters.

The Press Trust of India news agency said the ministry filed a complaint for 1.5 billion rupees ($100 million) in damages with the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. In May, Nestle India took its Maggie brand of instant noodles off the shelves after several states banned it for allegedly unsafe levels of lead.

Nestle India contests the Indian laboratory tests and says its products are safe.