Ref.: Press/er/dG/induben.24
The Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Ahmedabad City, partly allowed
a complaint filed by Consumer Education and Research Society (CERS),
Ahmedabad, and Mr. Dharmesh J. Govani against M/s Induben Khakhrawala,
Mithakhali, Ahmedabad, and ordered the reputed ‘khakhra’
manufacturer to carry out all the requirements as prescribed in
the Prevention of Food and Adulteration (PFA) Act 1984 and Rules
as well as the Weights and Measures Act and Rules. The Forum also
directed the opposite party to apprise the complainants after the
requirements are carried out within two months, and ordered a compensation
of Rs. 3000 and cost of Rs. 1000.
Dharmesh had purchased khakhra from M/s Induben Khakhrawala on
22 November 2004 and paid Rs. 30 as the price. He found that there
was no label on the packet nor was there any mention of the material
and mandatory basic requirements such as details of ingredients
and name of food item, name and complete address of manufacturer,
and ‘best before’ use. Even the most important information,
the date of manufacture, was not declared on the label. For every
detail he had to ask the persons manning the shop.
The Forum noted, "It is alleged that the unit was repeatedly
requested to change the ordinary packets and replace them by printing
(the packets) as per statutory provisions". However, it is
still observed that the same packets are supplied to consumers without
giving the statutory information . "Therefore, it is a clear
case of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice by the unit",
the Forum observed.
It was only after constant efforts by the complainants, the Forum
added, did the opposite party start labelling its products but it
was "not in conformity with the rules laid down in the Act".
Mr. C. A. Sejpal presided over the Forum with Ms Hemkalaben N.
Shah as Member. Mr. Rajesh Patel appeared for the complainants and
Mr. S. J. Mehta for M/s Induben Khakhrawala.
Date : 21/08/2007
Pritee Shah
Place: Ahmedabad
Editor
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