India standardizes weights and packaging for food and beverage
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- Published on Monday, 06 February 2012 15:36
INDIA – Food and beverage manufacturers and traders will have to sell their products in standardised weights and packets from 1 July, according to new government legislation.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has released a new order that requires standardised packaging and portions for food and beverages, as part of a move to protect consumers, following complaints from the public on the lack of such standards.
“This order has come about as part of a larger consumer protection initiative,” said the ministry. "The Consumer Protection Rules have been amended to make it compulsory for the manufacturers and traders to sell the products in standardised weights and packets."
In addition to this new regulation, the ministry is increasing funding and staffing for consumer councils at state and district levels to tighten grievance redressal measures against consumable items.
It has also formed a committee to investigate the issue of consumer products and services in the country, including “health claims made by food manufacturers with their products”.
“The committee is already working on it,” the ministry said, adding that this move was prompted by many complaints and not restricted to food items only. The committee is expected to report back to the ministry next month, and new rules can be expected following that.
