Identifying Food Adulteration and Misbranding: Consumer Rights Protection

Adulteration of food items can harm consumer health, and hence is a serious offence. Instances of food adulteration and misbranding are common in both rural and urban areas, and the need for curbing them is urgent. Several instances of adulteration of food items like milk and ghee with detergents and other harmful chemicals have been witnessed in the country. Spices such as turmeric, coriander and red chilly are also adulterated with stone powder, horse dung and chemicals. Manufacturers, in an attempt to make quick profits, are unmindful of the health of the public and resort to such mean techniques. Although there are stringent laws for consumer rights protection and for punishing culprits, Indian consumers are unaware of the laws and their provisions. Besides, consumers must also be vigilant about identifying adulterated food and wrong branding of articles by unscrupulous manufacturers.

Consumer Rights Protection: Food Adulteration Act

In India, the Food Adulteration Act 1954 defines adulteration and misbranding, and has rules for punishment of people engaged in manufacturing, selling or distributing any adulterated food articles.  The Act has been amended thrice, in 1964, 1976 and 1986, to plug several loopholes and make punishments more stringent.  Indian laws also empower consumers and voluntary organizations so that they play an effective role in the implementation of these laws.

Consumer Rights Protection: How to Identify Food Adulteration and Misbranding?

The best way to curtail food adulteration is to enhance consumer awareness. So, here are a few tips for identifying and preventing food adulteration and misbranding:

• Consumers should check the product labels for manufacture and expiry dates
• Food items should be bought only from trusted shops
• Ensure that the package is sealed and not tampered with
• Buy only branded or government certified products. Although branded products are a bit expensive, they fare better on the quality count and consumers can approach the manufacturer in case of any defect.
• Try preserving your shopping bills as proof in case the manufacturer seeks it for the resolution of doubts or queries.
• Consumers should speak up in case they find any adulterated product. They should approach the local department for prevention of food adulteration.

To curb the increasing instances of food adulteration, the Indian government has implemented the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The act makes adulteration an offence that is punishable with life imprisonment and fine of up to Rs 10 lakhs.