Food Manifest 
Complaint Alleged Unhygienic Production
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has dismissed a complaint accusing Nestlé India of using dirty water to manufacture Maggi Sauce at its Bicholim, Goa factory. The complaint, filed by Sarvesh M. Kolumbkar, claimed the company used a water extraction pump from an under-construction site and allegedly mislabelled bottles, misleading consumers. Kolumbkar described it as a “Maggi Sauce scam” ongoing for 15 years and requested that certification bodies be barred from granting approvals.
CCI Confirms Jurisdiction Limits
After reviewing the case, the CCI noted that the allegations relate to food safety and hygiene under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, not anti-competitive practices under the Competition Act, 2002. Section 4 of the Competition Act addresses abuse of market dominance, such as imposing unfair conditions, restricting production, or denying market access. The Commission found that the alleged unhygienic production and mislabelling did not constitute anti-competitive behaviour.
Case Closed Under Section 26(2)
Finding no competition-related issues, the CCI dismissed the complaint under Section 26(2), which allows preliminary closure when no prima facie evidence exists. The Commission also denied requests for interim relief under Section 33 and disposed of the interlocutory application, leaving enforcement of food safety standards to the appropriate authorities.
