Retaliating against the Maharashtra Food & Drug Administration's (FDA's) seizure of `kaccha mango' sweets, Parle Products has challenged the seizure in the Bombay High Court.

A few days back, the FDA raided the biscuits & confectionery products maker's factories in Nasik and Raigad, and seized candies worth around 2.36 crores, alleged that the candies contained a surplus of lactic acid.

A senior FDA official said lactic acid, in whatever quantity, is not permitted in any sugar boiled confectionaries.

But, Parle claimed that lactic acid in the candies is absolutely safe for human consumption.

The company said in a statement, "We have challenged the action taken by the FDA and the matter is sub-judice and pending before the Bombay High Court. lactic acid in Kachha Mango Bite is absolutely safe for human consumption."

Parle also tried to counter the FDA's claim by arguing that lactic acid is commonly used in a number of eatables such as curd, bread, cheese, and infant milk-based formulations.

The biscuits & confectionery added that it felt it had been unfairly penalized.