A branded milk packet was found to have 0.4 per cent less milk solids content than what was stipulated. Officials slapped Rs. 1 lakh penalty on a grocery shop owner M. Hidayathullah, from whose shop they collected the sample, instead of the manufacturer.
Food Safety Officer of West Arani block Koteeswaran conducted a surprise check at his shop on March 21, 2012 and collected a sample of the Shruthi Milk packet, a homogenised, pasteurised and double toned milk that he was selling in the shop.
After a gap of 20 months, Hidayathulla got an intimation sent by District Supply and Consumer Protection Office, Tiruvannamalai. DRO S. Valarmathi told The Hindu that the milk samples collected from his shop by Food Safety Officer were found to be substandard in a laboratory . When asked if any action was taken against the manufacturer, she said, “If he had bills to prove his purchase from the manufacturer we would have taken action against the manufacturer, but the vendor had no bills. So, we had to take action against the shop-keeper.”
Mr. Hidayathullah’s advocate S. Prakash said , “The manufacturer’s address is printed on the packet and the seller is in no way responsible for the alleged quality compromise. Hence, it is not just to penalise only the seller.”
If FSO has drawn sample and the test result fails, FSO / DO should issue show cause notice to the manufacturer and dealer , get their replies and based on that action should have been taken. Imposing fine on dealer after 20 months leaves escape route for manufacturer. Why this inordinate delay in passing orders ?
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