Bengaluru
In a significant stance against negligence in food safety, a supermarket has taken proactive steps by providing compensation of Rs 10,000 for the sale of expired food items. This act serves as a powerful reminder to all retailers that the sale of expired food and beverage products cannot be overlooked. The incident came to light when Parappa, a resident of Bengaluru, unwittingly consumed expired ready-made oats purchased from a supermarket in September 2021. As a result of consuming the expired product, Parappa fell ill and had to seek medical attention. Upon discovering the discrepancy, Parappa was dismayed to learn that the oats he had consumed were beyond their expiration date. He had purchased honey-flavored oats worth ₹925 from a nearby supermarket. Upon his illness, he revisited the product and noticed that the supermarket had affixed a new label to conceal the original expiry date. Unsatisfied with the response he received from the supermarket staff, Parappa decided to take legal action. He filed a complaint in the local consumer court, highlighting the deceptive practices employed by the supermarket. The case eventually escalated to the Bangalore Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. After careful consideration of the evidence presented, the commission ruled in favor of Parappa. The verdict not only ordered the supermarket to reimburse the cost of the product (₹925) but also mandated additional compensation. The supermarket was directed to pay ₹10,000 to Parappa, acknowledging the inconvenience and potential health risks he had experienced. Additionally, the commission decreed an amount of ₹5,000 for medical expenses and an extra ₹5,000 to cover the legal costs incurred during the proceedings. This verdict holds significance not only for the immediate parties involved but also for the broader retail industry. It underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and consumer protection when dealing with food products.
