Companies can be penalized for false information

According to the Food and Safety Standards Act, 2006, it is easier to sue a company that gives false information to consumers under the sales promotion. For the benefit of our readers, we try to highlight some of the facets of the Act.

THE FOOD Safety and Standards Authority of India Act, 2006 provides extra rights to sue a company which under the sales promotion gives false information. Section 24 of the Act puts restriction on misleading or deceiving any advertisement and under trade practices, promoting the sale, supply, usage and consumption of any food articles or adopt any unfair or deceptive practice or information which involves the following:

Falsely represents standards, quality, quantity or grade-composition

Makes a false or misleading representation about it usage
Gives you a guarantee of the efficacy without adequate scientific justification, thereof;

All the persons, manufacturers, dealers, importers of food items are required to comply with the above said provisions of the Act while advertising or disseminating information through direct or indirect promotional activities.

The Consumers while purchasing any food packet must read its expiry date and the nutritional information written on its label to confirm the authenticity of the same.
All the dealers, manufacturers are supposed to guard their consumers under the Act which came in force throughout the country effective 5th August, 2011.
The new Act repeals other Acts viz; Prevention of food adulteration, fruit products, solvent extracted oils, edible floor, meat food products, edible oils packing, vegetable oil products and milk products etc. It thus becomes our moral duty to inspect / read the food items thoroughly before any purchase is made.