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Peace Legal Information: Making Law Simple for Every Citizen

Peace Legal Information: Making Law Simple for Every Citizen

    Table of Contents Introduction — purpose & scope Why legal awareness matters Rights & Duties — equal and reciprocal Role of Police — how to cooperate Everyday laws to keep handy How to use the law to protect yourself Conclusion Introduction — purpose & scope Peace4.in brings plain-English legal information to every person living in or visiting India. This pinned page is a gateway: it explains the site's purpose, how to navigate topic clusters, and how the law can be used to prevent harm and resolve disputes through recognised legal channels. We focus only on Indian legal context and practical steps. Our aim is to increase legal literacy, encourage lawful behaviour, and support peaceful, constructive resolution of conflicts. ↑ Back to top Why legal awareness matters Legal knowledge empowers you to avoid common mistakes, make informed decisions, and acc...
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Complaint Against Food Products and Packaged Goods (FSSAI Rights)

Complaint Against Food Products and Packaged Goods (FSSAI Rights)


Detailed information regarding Complaint Against Food Products and Packaged Goods (FSSAI Rights)


Overview: FSSAI & Consumer Rights

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food safety, labelling and standards for packaged foods across India. When a packaged food product is unsafe, spoiled, adulterated, misbranded, or mislabelled, consumers have multiple remedies: administrative complaints to FSSAI or local food safety officers, consumer complaints to consumer forums under the Consumer Protection Act, and civil claims for compensation where necessary.

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When to File a Complaint

File a complaint if a food product causes illness, shows visible spoilage, contains foreign matter, is adulterated (contaminants or harmful additives), or if labelling is misleading (wrong ingredients, false claims, incorrect expiry dates, or undeclared allergens). Minor quality issues that the seller promptly remedies may be resolved via return/exchange — reserve formal complaints for safety or repeated failures.

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Gathering Evidence (what to keep)

Strong evidence is crucial. Keep:

  • Original sealed packaging (if possible) and the product.
  • Photographs and dated videos of the product, packaging, label, batch/lot number, and expiry/manufacture dates.
  • Purchase proof — bill, invoice, e-receipt or bank/UPI transaction screenshot.
  • Medical reports and prescriptions if you suffered illness after consumption.
  • Any communication with seller/manufacturer (emails, chat screenshots, call logs).
  • Samples preserved under safe conditions — do NOT dispose of contested items without permission from authorities or your lawyer.

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Where to File: FSSAI, NCH, Consumer Forum

You can pursue one or more of the following routes, often in parallel:

  • FSSAI / Local Food Safety Officer (FSO): File an online complaint on the FSSAI portal or approach the local FSO. FSSAI can order product tests, initiate administrative action, and direct recalls.
  • National Consumer Helpline (NCH): NCH provides guidance and may escalate complaints to appropriate authorities; useful for initial assistance and mediation.
  • Consumer Forum (District/State/National): For compensation or broader relief (refund, replacement, compensation for medical expenses and mental agony), file a consumer complaint under the Consumer Protection Act.
  • Police/Criminal Complaint: If there is clear intent to endanger life or repeated sale of adulterated food, you may file an FIR; however, this route requires factual prudence and, where possible, legal advice first.

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Step-by-step Filing Process

Practical sequence many consumers follow:

  1. Preserve evidence and document the issue (photos, bill, product details).
  2. Contact the seller/manufacturer in writing, request refund/replacement and keep record of their response.
  3. If unresolved: Lodge complaint on the FSSAI consumer grievance portal (or approach the local FSO) and file on NCH for support.
  4. If there is injury or loss: consult a lawyer and consider filing in the appropriate District Consumer Forum for compensation (attach medical records and invoices).
  5. In parallel, request food-sample testing through FSSAI/local FSO to obtain an official laboratory report — this strengthens administrative and civil claims.

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Remedies & Compensation

Possible remedies include:

  • Refund/Replacement: Return of purchase amount or replacement of the product.
  • Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for treatment when illness is caused by the product.
  • Compensation for Loss and Mental Agony: Consumer forums may award damages for distress, inconvenience, and loss of amenity.
  • Product Recall & Penalties: FSSAI can order recalls, impose penalties or suspend manufacturing licenses where serious violations are found.

Accurate documentation and lab reports substantially increase the likelihood and quantum of awards in consumer forums.

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Practical Tips & Next Steps

  • Do not discard the product or packaging; preserve it for testing and as evidence.
  • Get prompt medical attention and obtain all medical documentation.
  • Take dated photographs immediately on discovering the defect or contamination.
  • Consider sending a formal legal notice before filing a consumer complaint if the seller is cooperative — templates available in our cluster resources.
  • For complex cases (serious injury, large-scale contamination, or corporate defence), engage an experienced consumer lawyer to handle claims and coordinate tests and evidence.

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Location: India