A food vendor at Chandigarh Railway Station has been fined Rs 30,000 by the district court for serving unsafe tomato sauce to passengers. The court found Sushil Kumar, a vendor for Classic Caterers, guilty under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The case revolved around a sample of tomato sauce served with bread pakoras and samosas that was deemed unfit for human consumption.
Background: Inspection and Case Filing
The case dates back to August 2014, when Food Safety Officer (FSO) DP Singh conducted an inspection at the railway station. During the inspection, Sushil Kumar was found conducting his business on Platform Number 2. The FSO discovered that Kumar was using a 5-litre plastic container of tomato sauce without a proper label. Kumar could not provide details about the sauce’s source, stating only that it was purchased at Rs 25 per litre from the open market but without any receipt.
Lab Testing: Unsafe for Consumption
Following the inspection, the FSO purchased two litres of the tomato sauce and sent a sample to the Punjab Food Analyst for testing. The sauce was divided into four equal parts and treated with formalin before being tested. On August 19, 2024, the sample was declared unsafe for human consumption, leading to the filing of the case under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Legal Proceedings: Vendor Found Guilty
During the trial, Sushil Kumar’s defense argued that the prosecution failed to follow proper procedures in collecting the sample and that no independent witnesses were present during the inspection. The defense also claimed that the hot and humid weather at the time could have impacted the quality of the sauce. However, the court rejected these arguments, holding Kumar guilty under Sections 51 and 59(i) of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Acquittal of Ravinder Singh
While Sushil Kumar was found guilty, Ravinder Singh, a nominee of Classic Caterers and the vending contractor for Northern Railway, was acquitted by the court. Singh was not directly involved in the sale or preparation of the unsafe food.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of food safety regulations and strict compliance at public locations like railway stations. Vendors must ensure that the food they serve meets the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Act to avoid legal consequences.
