Food adulteration is a serious offence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), with stringent penalties including imprisonment, heavy fines, and cancellation of licenses. At Panchanand, our food adulteration lawyers in Kolkata provide comprehensive legal services for food businesses, manufacturers, processors, importers, and retailers facing food safety issues.

With the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and state food safety authorities actively enforcing food safety standards, food business operators must ensure compliance with the FSS Act, Rules, and Regulations. Non-compliance can result in prosecution, penalties, and reputational damage.

Understanding the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

• Section 2(1)(a) — Adulterant: Any material that makes food unsafe, substandard, misbranded, or containing extraneous matter
• Section 26 — Liability of Manufacturers: Every manufacturer shall ensure that food manufactured, processed, or stored complies with the Act
• Section 27 — Liability of Sellers: Every seller shall ensure that food sold complies with the Act
• Section 30 — Licensing: No person shall commence food business without a license
• Section 38 — Analysis of Food Samples: Procedure for sampling, analysis, and reporting
• Section 42 — Appeal: Appeal against orders of the Designated Officer
• Section 47-56 — Penalties: Various penalties for contraventions
• Section 59-67 — Offences and Prosecution: Criminal offences including adulteration, unsafe food, and misleading claims
• Section 73 — Adjudication: Adjudication of penalties by Adjudicating Officer
• Section 76 — Food Safety Appellate Tribunal: Appeals against adjudication orders
• Section 89 — Offences by Companies: Liability of directors and officers for company offences

Our Food Adulteration Services

FSSAI Licensing and Registration

We assist in: applying for FSSAI central/state license or registration, documentation and compliance with eligibility criteria, renewal of licenses, modification of licenses for new products or premises, and defending against license suspension or cancellation.

Food Safety Compliance Advisory

We advise on: compliance with food safety standards and regulations, labeling requirements, permissible additives, packaging standards, hygiene and sanitation requirements, traceability and recall procedures, and import/export compliance.

Defence Against Food Safety Prosecution

We defend clients facing food safety prosecution for: adulteration, substandard food, misbranding, misleading claims, unsafe food, and violation of license conditions. Our defence includes challenging sampling procedures, analysis reports, and prosecution evidence.

Adjudication Proceedings

We represent clients in adjudication proceedings before the Adjudicating Officer: responding to show-cause notices, presenting evidence, arguing for minimum penalty or exoneration, and negotiating consent terms.

Appeals Before Tribunal and High Court

We file appeals before the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal against adjudication orders, and before the High Court on substantial questions of law.

Product Recall and Crisis Management

We assist in: managing product recall procedures, coordinating with FSSAI during recalls, advising on public communication, and mitigating legal liability.

Why Choose Us for Food Adulteration Cases?

• Specialised knowledge of FSS Act, Rules, Regulations, and Standards
• Experience before FSSAI, Adjudicating Officers, Appellate Tribunal, and Courts
• Track record of successful defences against food safety prosecutions
• Understanding of food industry operations and compliance challenges
• Strategic advice on compliance, risk mitigation, and crisis management
• Prompt response to food safety emergencies

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