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

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

Defence Strategy under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 By Dr. Jinesh Soni, Advocate 📞 9772946899 | 📧 soniarenaajmer@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🔍 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) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🛡 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6. Cross-Examine Food Safety Officer & Analyst Question sample handling, storage, and lab methods. Discredit vague or inconclusive findings. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7. Invoke Safe Harbour Under Section 77 If you can prove due diligence and no knowledge of violation, Section 77 protects from penalty. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8. Settlement and Compounding Some offences are compoundable before the Designated Officer. Seek compounding if the penalty is low and client prefers early closure. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 📌 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ⚖️ Contact for Expert Legal Defence: Dr. Jinesh Soni, Advocate Expert in Economic Offences & Regulatory Compliance 📞 9772946899 | 📧 soniarenaajmer@gmail.com #FSSAct2006 #FoodSafetyLaw #FoodBusinessDefense #LegalAdviceIndia #DrJineshSoni #FSSAICompliance #FoodLawIndia #FBODefenseStrategy #LegalHelpIndia #FoodSafetyCase #ConsumerProtectionLaw #FSSAIRegulations #FoodBusinessLawyer #DueDiligenceDefense #LegalStrategy