It has been one of the biggest consumer magnets for multinationals for some time now and the ongoing controversy in India over a brand of instant noodles and its health hazards crystallises several concerns that have mostly remained within the pale of consumer activism so far. In a country with a mass consumer base of millions, formed from diverse economic strata and with wildly varying degrees of awareness of safety and quality, the danger of profiteering is an ever present one.
The ongoing Maggi noodles debate begs an enquiry into the manufacturing etiquette of multinationals in India, particularly given the lax regulatory processes that govern many of the sectors. Is the onus of providing safe, high-quality food products entirely on the licensed manufacturer? Does the government have a responsibility to ensure that due diligence is being observed by the manufacturer in what it presents to the consumer? The answers to these two questions are what will provide clarity to the issue. This is not the first time that a multinational operating in India has been in trouble over its products. However, the government of India must ensure that it will be the last.
