Defence Strategy under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 l Dr. Jinesh Soni, Advocate l 2025

Описание: Defence Strategy under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
By Dr. Jinesh Soni, Advocate
📞 9772946899 | 📧 [email protected]
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🔍 Understanding the Law: Key Provisions
FSS Act, 2006 governs food safety, hygiene, and labeling in India.

Common charges include:

Sale of unsafe/adulterated food (Sections 48–59)

Misbranding or false labeling (Section 52)

Operating without license (Section 31)

Misleading advertisements (Section 53)
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🛡 Defence Strategy for Accused Food Business Operators (FBOs)
1. Check for Procedural Lapses
Was a proper food analyst report (Form VI) obtained?

Was a notice under Form V-A served within time?

Was sample drawn and sealed properly under Rule 2.4.1 of FSS Rules?

Challenge delays in testing, improper sample handling, or unauthorized officers.
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2. Challenge Validity of Sample
Argue that:

Sample was improperly preserved or expired by testing time.

Packaging was tampered or seal was broken.

Testing lab was not a notified NABL-accredited lab.
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3. Absence of Mens Rea (Criminal Intent)
FSS Act imposes both civil penalties and criminal liability — argue for no mens rea.

If the violation was minor, procedural, or due to supplier’s fault, seek penalty not prosecution.
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4. Complying Business Practices
Show:

Valid FSSAI license

Use of approved raw materials

Proper food handling protocols

Present quality control records, CCTV, employee training logs as evidence of due diligence.
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5. Supplier Chain Responsibility
If you are a retailer/distributor, pass liability onto manufacturer by proving:

You sold sealed packages

Had no control over manufacturing

Use invoices, batch numbers, and correspondences to shift blame.
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6. Cross-Examine Food Safety Officer & Analyst
Question sample handling, storage, and lab methods.

Discredit vague or inconclusive findings.
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7. Invoke Safe Harbour Under Section 77
If you can prove due diligence and no knowledge of violation, Section 77 protects from penalty.
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8. Settlement and Compounding
Some offences are compoundable before the Designated Officer.

Seek compounding if the penalty is low and client prefers early closure.
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9. Appeal Against Orders
If convicted or fined, appeal to:

Appellate Authority

Food Safety Tribunal

High Court under writ jurisdiction (if violations of law/procedure)
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📌 Commonly Used Legal Provisions
Section 26 – Responsibility of FBOs

Section 31 – Licensing

Section 48–59 – Offences and penalties

Section 77 – Defence of due diligence

🧾 Key Documents for Defence
FSSAI license copy

Lab test reports from independent labs

Bills/invoices of raw material

Daily inspection/cleanliness logs

Employee training certifications

Batch tracking records
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⚖️ Contact for Expert Legal Defence:
Dr. Jinesh Soni, Advocate
Expert in Economic Offences & Regulatory Compliance
📞 9772946899 | 📧 [email protected]
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