The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has imposed penalties totalling Rs 6.14 lakh on Parag Milk Foods Limited for alleged lapses in product quality standards, the dairy firm informed stock exchanges on Monday.
More about the fine
According to the company’s disclosure with the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd., FSSAI’s Udaipur division levied a Rs 1.14 lakh fine under Section 51 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, after a product sample, found fit for consumption but allegedly below prescribed standards, was collected from a retail outlet in the city.
A separate order from the regulator’s Lunawada office imposed an additional Rs 5 lakh penalty on similar grounds. Both orders were received by the company on November 3.
Company’s statement
Parag Milk Foods said the impact of the penalties is limited to the amount levied and does not materially affect its operations. The company also stated it “reserves the right to appeal against the orders at the appropriate forum.”
FSSAI, the country’s apex food safety authority, has in recent months intensified scrutiny of packaged food and beverage firms, with increased inspections and penalties for violations under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011.
Last month, the regulator imposed a Rs 1 lakh fine on Marico Ltd for alleged misbranding in decade-old product samples.
