UNIT 13 OTHER LAWS RELATED TO FOOD

PRODUCTS
Structure

13.0 Objectives
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Standards of Weights & Measures Act, 1976
13.2.1 Interstate Trade or Commerce in Weights & Measures
13.2.2 Standards of Weights & Measures (Packaged Commodities Rules),1977
13.3 The Insecticides Act, 1968
13.3.1 Use of Insecticides in Public Premises and Food Crops
13.3.2 Expert Committee on Use of Insecticides
13.3.3 Restriction in Use of Insecticides under PFA Act/Rules
13.4 Consumer Protection Act, 1986
13.4.1 Consumer Protection under PFA Act
13.4.2 Basis of Complaint under the Act
13.4.3 Establishment of Consumer Protection Councils
13.5 Customs Act, 1962
13.5.1 Application of Law Relating to Sea Customs and Powers of Custom Officers
13.5.2 Valuation and Assessment of Customs Duty
13.6 The Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles & Infant Food (Regulation Of
Production, Supply & Distribution) Act, 1992 & Rules1993
13.6.1 Health Care System
13.6.2 Standards of Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles or Infant Foods
13.7 Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986
13.7.1 Standards of Emission or Discharge of Environmental Pollutants
13.7.2 Prohibition and Restriction on the Location of Industries
13.7.3 ECOMARK Scheme
13.8 The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
13.8.1 The Central and State Boards for Prevention & Control of Water Pollution
13.8.2 Measures for Control of Water Pollution
13.9 The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
13.9.1 Functions of Central & State Boards
13.10 Let Us Sum Up
13.11 Key Words
13.12 Suggested Further Reading
13.13 Answers to check your progress exercises

13.0 OBJECTIVES
The reading of this Unit shall provide you knowledge of the other laws related to
food. We know the prominent role of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954
(popularly known as PFA Act) which in fact, is the existing Indian Food Act. The
PFA Act, 1954 will be replaced by Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 in near
1
future. You will now know that the other food related activities are regulated by
Acts like; Standards of Weights & Measures Act; Insecticides Act; Consumer
Protection Act, Customs Act; Water/Air Prevention & Control Acts etc. All these
Acts also play important role in serving the consumer protection purposes.

13.1 INTRODUCTION
You know Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954 (PFA Act), is the most
relevant Food Act concerned with the consumer’s food safety & wellness. It is
governed by the Central Government and implemented by the State Governments
and Local Bodies. At the national level, various other agencies are functioning in
the Government with the programme of assuring quality of food commodities and
protecting consumers from any health hazards as well as safeguarding the
consumer against any fraud or deception. We are much concerned that these
agencies should provide an effective legal basis for regulating the conditions such
as packaging & handling, ill effects of surroundings & environment under which
food is processed or manufactured, stored and sold, so as to safeguard overall
public health & consumer’s welfare. We shall now understand the activities
undertaken by the various relevant Acts/ Rules and the related agencies governing
these Acts. These Agencies are directly or indirectly involved in food safety
measures or otherwise serve consumer protection purpose in different ways. The
activities of these agencies are mostly governed by the Central Government and in
certain cases implemented or administered by the State Governments and the
Local Bodies.

13.2 STANDARDS OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES ACT,

1976
The Standards of Weights & Measures Act was enacted during April, 1976 by the
Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution, Government of India.

This Act ensures uniform enforcement of Standards and connected matters in

Weights & Measures throughout the country. The Standards of Weights &
Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 1977 are notified under the Provisions
of the Act. We need to pay particular attention to these Rules since these are the
most important and of relevance to the packaged food commodities to protect the
consumer interests.

13.2.1 INTERSTATE TRADE OR COMMERCE IN WEIGHTS

& MEASURES.
The Standards of Weights & Measures Act, 1976 is an Act to establish standards
of weights & measures to regulate inter-state trade or commerce in weights,
measures and other goods which are sold or distributed by quantity, i.e., weight,
measure or number, and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental
thereto. Weight is the mode of estimating the heaviness or mass of a substance;
whereas a Measure is that by which, extent or dimension is ascertained i.e. length,

2
breadth, thickness, area or volume and Number determines the units or pieces of a
commodity contained in a package or offered for sale individually. One of the
consumer’s concerns is the ‘Quantity’ of any commodity for which he has to pay.
Weights & Measures are the instruments for reducing the quantity and price of
saleable commodities including food to a certain extent to reduce chances of
deceipt or imposition. It curbs unfair trade practices too. However, a need had
been felt that one uniform weight and one uniform measure only should be used
in conducting trade to accomplish the object for being with the reformers in all
times and countries. Hence realizing this need for a uniform system of weights &
measures throughout the country; Govt. decided to adopt a uniform system of
weights & measures based on the Metric System which has now become the
international system of units. The Act prohibits the use of non-standard weight or
measure and emphasizes to use compulsorily the standard weight, measure or
numeral. Rules 32 & 36 of Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955
particularly describe the labelling requirements laid under Standards of Weights &
Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules ,1977 framed under The Standards of
Weights & Measures Act, 1976.

The manufacturer, dealer and repairer of ‘Weights & Measures’ (W & M) and
those dealing in ‘Weights & Measuring Instruments’, compulsorily need to obtain
a licence as per requirements under these Rules and the Controller, W&M is the
competent authority to grant this licence. Every W&M used by the dealer is
stamped by the W&M Department after due verification, with a special seal
indicating the identification of Inspector and quarter in which it is verified.

13.2.2 STANDARDS OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES

(PACKAGED COMMODITIES) RULES, 1977
In order to safeguard consumer’s interests, regulations have been made under
these Rules, for serving the purpose of pre-packing and sale etc of the
commodities in packaged form. In accordance with the provisions contained under
these Rules, every package should bear thereon or on a label securely affixed
thereto; definite, plain and conspicuous following declarations:

I. Name and Address of Manufacturer or Packer and for any imported

package the name and address of the Importer.
II. The common or generic name of commodity contained in the package.
III. Net-quantity in terms of standard unit of weight, measure or number
(as the case may be) of the commodity contained in the package;
IV. Month & year of Manufacture/Packing/Import of the commodity.
V. The maximum retail sale price of the package as MRP Rs. ____
(inclusive of all taxes). ‘Inclusive of All taxes’ means that this Price is
inclusive of any local taxes and any tax of State or Central Govt.
VI. “BEST BEFORE………………………………… DAYS/MONTHS
FROM MANUFACTURE/PACKAGING” shall be applicable when a
package contains a food commodity. This date determines that the
Food contained in the package shall remain in almost same condition
as it was packed. The storage conditions under which the package is
placed; should be mentioned.
3
Provided that if a commodity specified in the Third Schedule* [Commodities to be
Packed in Specified Quantity- as defined hereunder] of the Packaged
Commodities Rules, is packed in a size other than that prescribed in that Schedule,
a declaration as prescribed in the Rules - ‘Not a standard pack size under the
Standards of Weights & Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 1977 OR ‘Non
standard size under the Standards of Weights & Measures (Packaged
Commodities) Rules, 1977’ shall be displayed prominently on the label of such
package.
• In case of Packages with more than one product, the name and number or
quantity of each product shall be specified on the Package;
• Every Package shall bear the name, address, telephone number, E-mail address
(if available), of the person who can be or the office which can be contacted, in
case of consumer complaints;
• It shall not be permissible to affix individual stickers [label] on the package for
altering or making declarations required under these rules;
• Provided that for reducing the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), a sticker with the
revised lower MRP (inclusive of all taxes) may be affixed and the same should
not cover the MRP declaration that was already made by the manufacturer or
the packer, on the label of the Package.

*[“Third Schedule [Commodities to be packed in Specified Quantities] - Certain commodities like;

Baby Food, Weaning Food, Biscuits, Bread, Cereal & Pulses, Coffee, Tea, Edible Oils, Ghee,
Butter, Milk Powder & Mineral Water etc. shall be packed in such quantities by weight, measure
or number as are specified in the corresponding entries against them under the Schedule III of Rule
5 of Standards of Weights & Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 1977. (e.g.: Biscuits
should be packed in 25g, 50g,75g, 100g, 150g, 200g,250g, 300g and thereafter in the multiple of
100g up to 1kg)]

Check Your Progress Exercise 1

1) What was the purpose for enacting Standards of Weights & Measures Act,
1976 ?
...................................................................................................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………….......................................................................

2) Mention two important declarations to be made on a package as per Standards

of Weights & Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 1977 ?
...................................................................................................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………….......................................................................
3) How shall you describe ‘Non-standard size’ under these Act/Rules?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
……………………………………………………………………………………...
4) What is ‘MRP’ and how it is declared on the package?
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………
4
13.3 THE INSECTICIDES ACT, 1968
This Act was enacted by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry
of Agriculture, Government of India during the year 1968.

This is an Act to regulate the import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution and
use of insecticides with a view to prevent risk to human beings or animals, and for
matters connected therewith. Many incidents associated with food contaminated
with pesticides have been reported in different parts of the country, e.g.:

a) When several persons died as a result of food poisoning arising from foods
contaminated with insecticides,
b) Persons were crippled with paralysis or c) fell seriously ill though not fatally on
account of food poisoning by consumption of insecticides contaminated foods.
Several reports have been received about the cases of poisoning due to
indiscriminate use of Insecticides, particularly type of “Organo-Chlorine” &
“Organo-Phosphorous” compounds in food crops/grains.

Central Insecticides Board is constituted as per the provisions of the Act. The
Board advises the Central Government & State Governments on technical matters
arising out of administration of this Act which may include matters relating to

a) The risk to human beings or animals involved in the use of insecticides and the
safety measures necessary to prevent such risk;
b) the manufacture, sale, storage, transport and distribution of insecticides with a
view to ensure safety to human beings or animals.

13.3.1 USE OF INSECTICIDES IN PUBLIC PREMISES AND

FOOD CROPS
The Govt. has permitted the use of Insecticides in prescribed limits for safe
guarding food crops and public premises against menace of insects/ pests.
["Pests" means any insects, rodents, fungi, weeds and other forms of plant or
animal life not useful to human beings;]. Pest Control Operations are permissible
under this Act. ‘Commercial Pest Control Operation’ means any application or
dispersion of Insecticides including fumigants in household or public or private
premises or land and includes pest control operations in the field including aerial
applications for commercial purposes. However, no person should himself or by
any other person on his behalf, sell, stock or exhibit for sale, distribute or use; (a)
any insecticide which is not registered under this Act, (b) any insecticide the sale,
distribution or use of which is prohibited under the Rules, (c) any insecticide in
contravention of any other provision of this Act/Rules. No person can sell stock or
distribute or use any insecticide for commercial pest control operations except in
accordance with the conditions of the prescribed License.

5
13.3.2 EXPERT COMMITTEE ON USE OF INSECTICIDES

Government of India had set up an Expert Committee with a view to reviewing the
continued use of pesticides that are either banned or restricted for use in other
countries. In accordance with recommendations of the Expert Committee, and in
consultation with the Registration Committee the Government, in context to the
Insecticides Act, 1968, issued the following order:

(1) Chlorobenzilate has been banned for use in agriculture. If required it can be
imported by government/semi-government organizations and prepare folbex
strips for making it available to bee keepers for controlling mites of
honeybees.
(2) Dibromo-Chloropropane (DBPC) has been banned and the registration
certificates issued by the Registration Committee to various registrants shall
stand cancelled.
(3) Taxaphene (Camphechlor) has been banned and the registration certificates
issued by the Registration Committee to various registrants has been
cancelled.
(4) The use of Sodium cyanide has been restricted for fumigation of cotton bales
by Plant Protection Adviser to the Government of India under expert
supervision.
(5) Penta-Chloro-Nitro-Benzene (PCNB) has been banned and the registration
Certificates issued by the Registration Committee to various registrants has
been cancelled.
(6) Captafol shall be used only as seed dresser. Its use as foliar spray has been
banned.
(7) All the holders of the registration certificates for manufacture and import of
these insecticides were directed to return their registration certificates.

13.3.3 RESTRICTION ON USE OF INSECTICIDES UNDER

PFA ACT/ RULES
Rule 65 - Restriction on the use of insecticides of PFA Rules, 1955 prescribes the
maximum tolerance limits (in mg/kg or ppm) for various insecticides as indicated
in a Table under this Rule. Largely, these insecticides are toxic to human beings if
consumed beyond the specified tolerance limits. The food articles of mass
consumption are the common targets of Insecticides contamination. They include;
Food grains, Milled food grains, Milk & Milk Products, Fruits & Vegetables,
Meat, Poultry & Eggs, Fish and Spices. Any Food article detected with
pesticide/insecticide, exceeding tolerance limits are treated adulterated and
injurious to health under the Act. Stringent penalty provisions have been laid
under the PFA Act/rules to deal with such type of adulteration/contamination.

There are presently 143 Insecticides for which tolerance limits have been
prescribed vide a Table contained under Rule 65 of the PFA Act which may be
referred for details.

6
An illustration has been cited to enable you to understand the tolerance limits of
certain Insecticides. As related to ‘Food Grains’ the amount of insecticides
mentioned in the relevant column of the ‘Table’ should not exceed the tolerance
limits prescribed in the Table under Rule 65 of PFA Rules, 1955.

TABLE for Maximum Tolerance limit of some common Insecticides in Food

Grains

S. No. Name of Insecticide Tolerance

limit ppm
(mg/kg)
1. Carbaryl 1.5
2. Chlordane 0.02
3. Aldrin, DieldrinHydrogen Phosphide 0.01
4. Inorganic Bromide (determined and expressed as total 25.0
bromide from all sources
5. Malathion (combined residues of Malathion & Malaxon) 4.0
6. Phosphamidon Residues (Phosphamidon and its desethyl 0.05
derivative)
7. Diazinone 0.05

[In accordance with provisions contained under Rule 49 (15) of PFA Act, 1954,
[Insecticides]: No person shall store, expose or permit the sale of any insecticide
in the same premises where articles of food are stored, manufactured or exposed
for sale. However this sub-rule shall not apply to the approved household
insecticides, which are registered as such under the Insecticides Act, 1968].

Check Your Progress Exercise 2

5) What does ‘Commercial Pest Control Operation’ mean?

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………

6) What are the main targets of insecticides contamination?

..................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………

7) What do you understand by Maximum Residue Limits for insecticides?

....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………

13.4 CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 1986

This Act was enacted by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of
Consumer Affairs, Food & Public distribution, Govt. of India during the year
1986.

7
The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was enacted in order to protect the
consumer;

(a) from any deception or fraud as related to manufacturing defects or

imperfections;
(b) from shortcomings in the quality, quantity and the purity of the products;
and
(c) for any deficiency in the services rendered.

Though the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act)
and the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (PFA Act) have provided relief
to the consumers, yet it became necessary to protect the consumers from any
exploitation and to save them not only from adulteration and sub-standard food
items but also from services provided, so as to safeguard the overall interests of
the consumers. Undoubtedly, this Act provides ample protection by providing a
very wide range of relief measures.

13.4.1 Consumer Protection under PFA Act

The PFA Act ,1954 since its very inception has been providing relief to consumers
from any exploitation and to save them from adulteration and misbranding of food
products.

‘Adulteration’ is broadly defined- (a) “If the article of food sold by a vendor is not
of the nature, substance or quality demanded by the purchaser and is to his
prejudice, (b) not of the nature, substance or quality which it purports to be or is
represented to be; (c) if the article of food contains any other substance which
affects its nature, substance or quality; or (d) if the article of food is so processed
as to affect, injuriously the nature, substance or quality thereof.”

‘Misbranded’ is broadly defined as-“An article of food shall be deemed to be

misbranded-a). If it is an imitation of or is a substitute for, or resembles in a
manner likely to deceive, another article of food under the name of which it is
sold, b) is not plainly and conspicuously labeled so as to indicate its true character.
c). If it is falsely stated to be the product of any place or country. d).If the package
containing it or the label on the package bears any statement, design or device
regarding the ingredients or the substances contained therein, which is false or
misleading in any material particular; or e) if the package is otherwise deceptive
with respect of its contents; f).If false or exaggerated claims are made upon the
label and g) is not labeled in accordance with requirements of this Act/Rules: Very
stringent penalty provisions have been laid under this Act for violation of rules in
respect of adulteration or misbranding as well as any misrepresentation through
advertisements.

13.4.2 Basis of Complaint under the Act

A consumer or any Recognized Voluntary Consumer Association*, a group of

consumers or Central/State Govt. can lodge complaint under this Act.

8
“Complaint” means any allegation in writing made by a complainant to the effect
that

(I) an unfair trade practice** or a restrictive trade practice*** has been adopted by
any trader or service provider;
(II) the goods bought by him or agreed to be bought by him; suffer from one or
more defects;
(III) the services hired or availed of or otherwise so agreed, suffer from deficiency
in any respect;
(IV) A trader or service provider, as the case may be, has charged for the goods or
for the services mentioned in the complaint, a price in excess of the actual
price:
(a) Fixed by or under any law for the time being in force;
(b) Displayed on the goods or any package containing such goods;
(c) Displayed on the price list exhibited by him, by or under any law for the
time being in force;
(d) Agreed between the parties.
(V) Goods which will be hazardous to life and safety when used are being offered
for sale to the public;
(VI) Services which are hazardous to life and safety of the public, when used, are
being knowingly offered by the service provider.

*Recognized Voluntary Consumer Association means an association recognized

by the State or Central Government subject to the prescribed guidelines and
registered under the Companies Act, 1956

**Unfair trade Practices under this Act means a trade practice which, for the
purpose of promoting the sale, use or supply of any goods or for the provision of
any service, adopts any unfair method or unfair or deceptive practice amounting
to false representations about the quality grade, standard, composition or model
etc. or any misleading representations or claims orally or in writing or by visible
representations.

***Restrictive trade practice means a trade practice which tends to bring about
manipulation of price or conditions of delivery or to affect flow of supplies in
the market relating to goods or services in such a manner as to impose on the
consumers unjustified costs or restrictions and shall include— (a) delay beyond
the period agreed to by a trader in supply of such goods or in providing the
services which has led or is likely to lead to rise in the price; (b) any trade
practice which requires a consumer to buy, hire or avail of any goods or, as the
case may be, services as condition precedent to buying, hiring or availing of
other goods or services.

13.4.3 ESTABLISHMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

COUNCILS.
For the purpose of providing adequate protection to the consumers’ interests, the
Consumer Councils and other authorities have been established for the settlement
of consumers' disputes and matters connected therewith.

9
The Central/State/District Consumer Protection Councils: The objectives of the
Councils are to promote and protect the rights of consumers such as –

(a) the right to be protected against the marketing of the goods and services which
are hazardous to life and property;
(b) the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard
and price of goods or services, as the case may be, so as to protect the
consumer against unfair trade practices;
(c) the right to be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of goods and
services at competitive prices;
(d) the right to be heard and to be assured that consumer’s interests will receive
due consideration at appropriate level
(e) the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or restrictive trade
practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers; and
(f) the right to consumer education.

In addition to the establishment of Consumer Protection Councils; “Consumer

Disputes Redressal Agencies” are also established at Central, State & District
level for providing remedial measures. The duties & functions of these Councils
are defined under the Rules.

Check Your Progress Exercise 3

8) What are the functions of Consumer Protection Councils ?

………………………………………………………………………………………
...................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
9) What is meant by Unfair Trade Practices?
………………………………………………………………………………………
....................................................................................................................................
…................................................................................................................................
10) What does “Complaint” mean under this Act?
………………………………………………………………………………………
....................................................................................................................................
…................................................................................................................................
11) What do you understand by Recognized Voluntary Consumer Association?
.................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
…………………………………………………………………………………........

13.5 CUSTOMS ACT, 1962

The Customs Act was enacted by the Central Government during the year 1962.
This Act is controlled by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance,
Government of India.

10
As contained under Section 46 of Customs Act, the entry of goods on importation
is permitted subject to certain conditions laid under this Act. The importer of any
goods, other than goods intended for transit or transshipment, should present to the

proper officer a bill of entry for home consumption or warehousing in the

prescribed form. However if the importer makes and subscribes to a declaration
before the proper officer, to the effect that for want of full information he is unable
to furnish all the particulars of the goods as required under the relevant Section,
the proper officer may consider his request in accordance with rules in force.

- The importer while presenting a bill of entry has to make and subscribe to a
declaration about the truth of the contents of such bill of entry. In support of
such declaration, he should produce to the proper officer the invoice, if any,
relating to the imported goods.

- If the proper officer is satisfied that the interests of revenue are not prejudicially
affected and that there was no fraudulent intention, he may permit substitution
of a bill of entry for home consumption or for a bill of entry for warehousing or
vice versa.

[“Prohibited goods” means any goods (here food) the import or export of which is
subject to any prohibition under this Act or any other law for the time being in
force but does not include any such goods in respect of the conditions subject to
which the goods are permitted to be imported have been complied with];

13.5.1 APPLICATION OF LAW RELATING TO SEA

CUSTOMS AND POWERS OF CUSTOM OFFICERS
Section 5 of PFA Act, 1954 [Prohibition of import of certain articles of Food]
stipulates:

No person shall import in to India for sale or store, sell or distribute:-

(i) Any adulterated food, (ii) any misbranded food, (iii) any article of food for the
import of which a licence is prescribed except in accordance with the conditions of
the licence, (v) any article of food in contravention of any other provision of this
Act or of any rule made there under,]

As contained under Section 6 of PFA Act, 1954:

(1) The Law for the time being in force relating to Sea Customs and to goods, the
import of which is prohibited by Section 18 of the Sea Customs Act, 1878 (8 of
1878) shall, subject to the provisions of Section 16 of this Act, apply in respect of
articles of food, the import of which is prohibited under Section 5 of PFA Act,
and officers of Customs and officers empowered under that Act to perform the
duties imposed thereby on a Commissioner of Customs and other officers of
Customs shall have the same powers in respect of such articles of food as they
have for the time being in respect of such goods as aforesaid.

11
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1) the Customs Collector,
or any officer of the Government authorized by the Central Government in this
behalf, may detain any imported package which he suspects to contain any article
of food the import of which is prohibited under section 5 of this Act and shall
forthwith report such detention to the Director of the Central Food Laboratory and,
if required by him, forward the package or send samples of any suspected article
of food found therein to the said Laboratory. Further action shall be decided on
receipt of report of the Lab.

13.5.2 VALUATION AND ASSESSMENT OF CUSTOMS DUTY

The Valuation of goods for purpose of assessment is conducted in the following
manner:

(1) For the purposes of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (51 of 1975) or any other law
for the time being in force where-under a duty of customs is chargeable on any
goods by reference to their value. The value of such goods shall be deemed to be
the price at which such or like goods are, ordinarily sold, or offered for sale or for
delivery at the time and place of importation in the course of international trade;

"provided that such price shall be calculated with reference to rate of exchange as
in force on the date on which a bill of entry is presented under section 46, or a
shipping bill or bill of expert as the case may be, is presented under section 50;]

(2) If the Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary to do so, it may, by

notification in the Official Gazette, fix tariff values for any class of imported
goods or export goods, having regard to the trend of value of such or like goods,
and where any such tariff values are fixed, the duty shall be chargeable with
reference to such tariff value.

Check Your Progress Exercise 4

12) What do you understand by ‘Prohibited Goods’ under this Act?

...................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………

13) What is the power of Customs Officer?

....................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................…
………………………………………………………………………………………

14) What do you understand by Valuation and Assessment of Customs Duty?

...............................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
…………………………………………………………………………………….

12
13.6 THE INFANT MILK SUBSTITUTES, FEEDING
BOTTLES & INFANT FOOD (REGULATION OF
PRODUCTION, SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION)
ACT, 1992 & RULES, 1993
This Act was enacted by the Central Government during the year 1992 and Rules
were framed during the Year 1993. The Act & the Rules are controlled by the
Department of Women & Child Development, Ministry of Women and Child
Development, Government of India.

This is an Act to provide for the regulation of production, supply and distribution
of Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods with a view of
protection and promotion of breastfeeding and ensuring the proper use of infant
foods and other connected or incidental matters. The most relevant definitions
contained under this Act:

• “Feeding bottle" means any bottle or receptacle used for the purpose of
feeding infant milk substitutes, and includes a teat and a valve attached or
capable of being attached to such bottle or receptacle;
• "Health care system" means an institution or organization engaged, either
directly or indirectly, in health care for mothers, infants or pregnant
women, and includes a health worker in private practice, but does not
include a pharmacy or drug store;
• "Infant food" means any food (by whatever name called) being marketed
or otherwise represented as a complement to mothers milk to meet the
growing nutritional needs of the infant after the age of four months;
• "Infant milk substitute" means any food being marketed or otherwise
represented as a partial or total replacement for mothers milk, whether or
not it is suitable for such replacement; However, certain prohibitions have
been laid in relation to Infant Milk Substitutes, feeding bottles and infant
foods: No person shall-

(a) advertise, or take part in the publication of any advertisement, for the
distribution, sale or supply of infant milk substitutes or feeding bottles;
or
(b) give an impression or create a belief in any manner that feeding of
infant milk substitutes is equivalent to, or better than, mothers milk; or
(c) take part in the promotion of use or sale of infant milk substitutes or
feeding bottles or infant foods otherwise than in accordance with the
provisions of this Act.

13.6.1 HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

(1) No person shall use any health care system for the display of placards or
posters relating to, or for the distribution of, materials for the purpose of

13
 promoting the use or sale of infant milk substitutes or feeding bottles or infant
foods:
(2) No person who produces, supplies, distributes or sells infant milk substitutes or
feeding bottles or infant foods shall make any payment to any person who
works in the health care system for the purpose of promoting the use or sale of
such substitutes or bottles or foods.
(3) No person, other than a health workers, shall demonstrate feeding with infant
milk substitutes or infant foods to a mother of an infant or to any member of
her family and such health workers shall also clearly explain to such mother or
such other member the hazards of improper use of infant milk substitutes or
feeding bottles or infant foods.
(4) No person, other than an institution or organization, engaged in health care for
mothers, infants or pregnant women shall distribute infant milk substitutes or
feeding bottles to a mother who cannot resort to breast-feeding and who
cannot afford to purchase infant milk substitutes or feeding bottles.

13.6.2 STANDARDS OF INFANT MILK SUBSTITUTES, FEEDING

BOTTLES OR INFANT FOODS

Following are the Standards of infant milk substitutes, feeding bottles or infant
foods:

(1) No person shall sell or otherwise distribute any infant milk substitute or infant
food unless it conforms to the standards, specified for such substitute or food
under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, and the rules made there
under and the container thereof has the relevant Standard Mark specified by the
Bureau of Indian Standards established under Section 3 of the Bureau of Indian
Standards Act, 1986 to indicate that the infant milk substitute or infant food
conforms to such standards;

[Provided that where no standards have been specified for any infant milk
substitute or infant food under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, no
person shall sell or otherwise distribute such substitute or food unless he has
obtained the approval of the Central Government in relation to such substitute or
food and the label affixed to the container thereof under the rules made under the
Act].

(2) No person shall sell or otherwise distribute any feeding bottle unless it
conforms to the Standard Mark specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards
referred to in sub-section (1) for feeding bottle and such mark is affixed on
its container, information on containers and labels of infant milk substitutes
or infant foods. --Without prejudice to the provisions of the Prevention of
Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and the rules made there under, no person
shall produce, supply or distribute any infant milk substitute or infant food
unless every container thereof or any label affixed thereto indicates in a
clear, conspicuous and in an easily readable and understandable manner, the
words "IMPORTANT NOTICE” in capital letters in such language as may
be prescribed for indicating there under the following particulars in the same
language, namely:-

14
(a) A statement "MOTHERS MILK IS BEST FOR YOUR BABY" in capital
letters;
(b) A statement that-Infant Milk Substitute or Infant Food should be used only
on the advice of a health worker as to the need for its use and the proper
method of its use;
(c) A warning that- Infant Milk Substitute or Infant Food is not the sole source
of nourishment of an infant;
(d) The instructions for its appropriate preparation and a ‘Warning’ against the
health hazards of its inappropriate preparation; and-
(e) the ingredients used;
(f) the composition or analysis;
(g) the storage conditions required;
(h) the batch number, date of its manufacture and the ‘BEST BEFORE
….MONTHS FROM MANUFACTURE’ before which it is to be
consumed, taking into account the climatic and storage conditions of the
country;

- No container or label referred to in sub-section relating to Infant Milk

Substitute shall-
(a) have pictures of an infant or a woman or both; or (b) have pictures or other
graphic material or phrases designed to increase the salability of infant milk
substitute; or (c) use on it the word "humanized" or "materialized" or any other
similar word; or (d) bear on it such other particulars as may be prescribed.

- Every educational or other material, whether audio or visual, dealing with pre-
natal or post- natal care or with the feeding of an infant and intended to reach
pregnant women or mothers of infants shall include clear information relating to--
(a) the benefits and superiority of breast-feeding; (b) the preparation for, and the
continuance of, breast-feeding; (c) the harmful effects on breast-feeding due to the
partial adoption of bottle feeding; etc.

Check Your Progress Exercise 5

15) What do you understand by ‘Health Care system’?

....................................................................................................................... ..........
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………...................................................................... .

16) What do you know about standards of “Feeding Bottles”?

..................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
……………………………………………………………………………………...

17) What is ‘IMPORTANT NOTICE’ under this Act?

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………

18) What does the ‘Warning’ mean under this Act?

15
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………

13.7 ENVIRONMENT (PROTECTION) ACT, 1986

Environment (Protection) Act under the Ministry of Environment and Forests
(Department of Environment, Forest and Wildlife) was enacted by the Central
Government during the year 1986. It is an Act to provide for the protection and
improvement of environment and for matters connected therewith .
‘Environment’ includes water, air and land and the inter relationship which exists.

We are well aware that environment and surroundings of a food industry,

warehouses or outlets have bearing on the quality and safety of food products. The
emissions or discharge of environmental pollutants in an area, from industries,
operations, process, automobiles and domestic sources in the form of gaseous,
liquid or solid substances may be the causative factors to deteriorate the food and
render it injurious to health besides environments in general. The most relevant
functionaries under this Act which play vital role in controlling and protecting the
citizens from pollution are:

"Central Board" means the Central Pollution Control Board constituted under
section 3 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974;

"State Board" means a State Pollution Control Board constituted under section 4
of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 or a State Pollution
Control Board constituted under section 5 of the Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1981;

"Prohibited Substance" under this Act have been defined as: the substances
prohibited for handling & "Restricted substance" means the substance restricted
for handling;

13.7.1 STANDARDS OF EMISSIONS OR DISCHARGE OF

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS

(1) The standards are framed for the purpose of protecting and improving the
quality of the environment and preventing and abating environmental
pollution. The standards for emission or discharge of environmental
pollutants from the industries, operations or processes have been specified
under relevant Schedule of this Act.

(2) The Central Board or a State Board may specify more stringent standards from
those provided in the above Schedules in respect of any specific industry,
operation or process depending upon the prevailing situation.

(3) The standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants as

specified under clauses (1) or (2) above should comply with by an industry,
operation or process;

16
(3A)Emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from the industries,
operations or processes should not exceed the relevant parameters and
standards specified in related schedule.

Provided that the State Boards may specify more stringent standards for the
relevant parameters with respect to specific industry or locations after
recording reasons therefore in writing;

(3B) The combined effect of emission or discharge of environmental pollutants in

an area, from industries, operations, process, automobiles and domestic
sources, shall not be permitted to exceed the specified concentration in
ambient air as also specified against each pollutant in the Schedule.

13.7.2 PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS ON THE

LOCATION OF INDUSTRIES

In public health interest, the Central government may take into consideration the
following factors while prohibiting or restricting the location of Food industries
and carrying on of processes and operations in different areas-

(i) Standards for quality of environment in its various aspects laid down for an
area.
(ii) The maximum allowable limits of concentration of various environmental
pollutants (including noise) or an area.
(iii) The likely emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from an
industry, process or operation proposed to be prohibited or restricted.
(iv) The topographic and climatic features of an area.
(v) The biological diversity of the area which, in the opinion of the Central
Government needs to be preserved.
(vi) environmentally compatible land use.
(vii) Net adverse environmental impact likely to be caused by an industry, process
or operation proposed to be prohibited or restricted.

13.7.3 ECOMARK SCHEME

The Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India has instituted a
Scheme on labelling of Environment Friendly Products through a Gazette
Notification. The Scheme is known as "ECOMARK". Any product which is
made, used or disposed of in a way that significantly reduces the harm it would
otherwise cause to the environment, are categorized as environment friendly
products. The Ecomark label is awarded to consumers goods which meet the
specified environmental criteria and the quality requirements of Indian Standards.

Objectives of the Scheme

• To provide an incentive for manufacturers and importers to reduce
adverse environmental impact of products.
• To reward genuine initiatives by companies to reduce adverse
environmental impact of their products.
17
 •
To assist consumers to become environmentally responsible in their
daily lives by providing information to take account of environmental
factors in their purchase decisions.
• To encourage citizens to purchase products which have less harmful
environmental impacts.
• Ultimately to improve the quality of the environment and to encourage
the sustainable management of resources.
The Scheme is voluntary and invites participation from common citizens and
concerned industrial sectors in the larger interest of environment. Some of the
food products identified under the ECOMARK Certification are Tea, Coffee,
Refined Vegetable oils, Vanaspati, Food Additives/Preservatives, Processed Fruits
and Vegetable Products, Infant Foods and Beverages. The Scheme of Ecomark is
being implemented by Bureau of Indian Standards.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS (GM FOODS)

Genetically modified (GM) foods, more accurately called genetically engineered

foods, are foods that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering.
Unlike conventional genetic modification that is carried out through conventional
breeding and that have been consumed for thousands of years, GE foods were first
put on the market in the early 1990s. The most common modified foods are
derived from plants: soybean, corn, canola, and cotton seed oil.

Controversies surrounding GM foods and crops commonly focus on human and

environmental safety, labeling and consumer choice, intellectual property rights,
ethics, food security, poverty reduction, and environmental conservation.

Check Your Progress Exercise 6

19) What do you mean by ‘Environmental Protection’?

..................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………

20) What do you understand by ‘Emission & Discharge’ under this Act?
..................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………

21) What are the important factors for Prohibiting or Restricting location of
industries?
...................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
…………………........................................................................................................

18
13.8 THE WATER (PREVENTION & CONTROL OF
POLLUTION) ACT, 1974
Water is the main source of consumption and invariably an important constituent
of cooked or processed foods. It may be a carrier of pollutants both chemical and
microbiological which are largely responsible for food deterioration and render it
unsafe for human health. We have become now aware of the menace of
insecticides and other pesticides. Toxicity due to the contamination of pesticides
and other chemicals in water and foods have been victimizing significant section
of population.

The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act under the Ministry of
Environment & Forests was enacted by the Central Government in consultation
with Central Board for the Prevention & Control of water Pollution during the
Year 1974.This is an Act to provide a) for the prevention and control of water
pollution and the maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water, b) for the
establishment of Boards, with a view to carrying out the purposes aforesaid, c) for
the prevention and control of water pollution.

Whereas in pursuance of clause (1) of Article 252 of the Constitution,

resolutions have been passed by all the Houses of the Legislatures of the States
of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir,
Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tripura and West Bengal to the
effect that the matters aforesaid should be regulated in those States by
Parliament by law. Hence it applies in the first instance to all the above States and
Union Territories. It shall apply to such other State which adopts this Act by
resolution passed in that behalf under the said clause. The important definitions to
help understand activities under this Act are:-

-“Occupier”, in relation to any factory or premises, means the person who has
control over the affairs of the factory or the premise, and includes, in relation to
any substance, the person in possession of the substance;

-“Outlet” includes any conduit pipe or channel, open or closed, carrying sewage or
trade effluent or any other holding arrangement which causes or is likely to cause,
pollution;

-“Pollution” means such contamination of water or such alteration of the physical,

chemical or biological properties of water or such discharge of any sewage or
trade effluent or of any other liquid, gaseous or solid substance into water
(whether directly or indirectly) as may, or is likely to, create a nuisance or render
such water harmful or injurious to public health or safety, or to domestic
commercial, industrial, agricultural or other legitimate uses, or to the life and
health of animals or plants or of aquatic organisms;

-“Sewage effluent” means affluent from any sewerage system or sewage

disposal works and includes sullage from open drains;

- “Stream” includes; River, Water course (whether flowing or for the time being
dry); Inland water (whether natural or artificial); Sub-terranean waters; Sea or tidal
19
waters to such extent or, as the case may be, to such point as the State Government
may notify.

-“Trade effluent” includes any liquid, gaseous or solid substance which is

discharged from any premises used for carrying on any industry, operation or
process, or treatment and disposal system, other than domestic sewage.

13.8.1 THE CENTRAL AND STATE BOARDS FOR

PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF WATER
POLLUTION

(1) The Central Government in relation to the aforementioned States and in the
Union Territories or any other States/U T appoints/ constitutes ‘Central Board’ to
be called the ‘Central Pollution Control Board’ to exercise the powers conferred
and perform the functions assigned to that Board under this Act.

(2) The State Government appoints/ constitutes a “State Pollution Control Board”,
to exercise the powers conferred and perform the functions assigned to that Board.

The following are the functions of State Pollution Control Board:

(a) Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the prevention and
control of water pollution;
(b) Co-ordinate the activities of the State Boards and to resolve disputes among
them;
(c) Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards carry out and
sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of water pollution and
prevention, control or abatement of water pollution;
(d) Plan and organize the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in
programmers for the prevention, control or abatement of water pollution;

13.8.2 MEASURES FOR CONTROL OF WATER POLLUTION

The Board may establish or recognize laboratories to enable the Board to perform
its functions efficiently, including the analysis of samples of water from any
stream or well or of samples of any sewage or trade effluents.

It demarcates each water pollution, prevention and control area in a suitable

manner.

A State Board gives directions to any erring person who is discharging sewage or
trade effluent into any such stream or well;

A State Board or any officer shall have power to take samples of water for the
purpose of analysis from any stream or well or samples of any sewage or trade
effluent which is passing from any plant or vessel or from or over any place into
any such stream /well.

Check Your Progress Exercise 7

20
22) What is meant by “Sewage effluents”?
....................................................................................................................... ...........
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………........................................................................

23) Why does ‘State Board’ (under this Act) take sample of water/sewage etc.?
....................................................................................................................... ..........
………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………….......................................................................

24) Describe an important function of State Pollution Control Board

...................................................................................................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………….......................................................................

13.9 THE AIR (PREVENTION & CONTROL OF

POLLUTION) ACT, 1981
We also know that Air Pollution through emission of any air pollutant is
derogatory to human health. It is worthwhile to know about the term "Emission":
It means any solid or liquid or gaseous substance coming out of any chimney, duct
or flue or any other outlet. These chemically loaded emissions may contaminate
raw materials and processed foods including air inhalation to a substantial degree
to prove hazardous to human beings.

The Air (Prevention & Control) of Pollution Act under the Ministry of
Environment & Forests was enacted by the Central Government in consultation
with Central Board for the Prevention & Control of Water Pollution during the
Year 1981. The provisions of this Act are aimed at : a) for the prevention, control
and abatement of air pollution, b) for the establishment of Boards with a view to
carrying out the aforesaid purposes, and c) conferring and assigning powers and
functions relating thereto and other related matters to the Boards.

[In this context, it is worthwhile to mention that in the past certain decisions were
taken at the United Nations Conference on the HUM, an Environment event held
in Stockholm in June, 1972: to take appropriate steps for the preservation of the
natural resources of the earth which, among other things, include the preservation
of the quality of Air and control of air pollution. India had participated in this
Conference.]

Some important definitions to help understand provisions of this Act are:-

-"Air pollution" means any solid, liquid or gaseous substance or other pollutant in
the atmosphere including noise present in the atmosphere in such concentration as
may be or tend to be injurious to human beings or other living creatures or plants
or environment;

21
-"Control equipment" means any apparatus, device, equipment or system to
control the quality and manner of emission of any air pollutant and includes any
device used for securing the efficient operation of any industrial plant;

-"Industrial plant" means any plant used for any industrial or trade purposes and
emitting any air pollutant into the atmosphere;

13.9.1 FUNCTIONS OF CENTRAL AND STATE BOARDS

The main functions of the Central Board are to improve the quality of air and to
prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country. The Central Board may -

(a) advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the improvement of
the quality of air and the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution; (b)
plan and execute a nationwide programme for the prevention, control or abatement
of air pollution; (c) co-ordinate the activities of the State Boards and resolve
disputes among them; (d) provide technical assistance and guidance to the State
Boards, carry out and sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of
air-pollution and prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

Similarly the functions of a State Board are: (a) to plan a comprehensive

programme for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution and to secure
the execution thereof; (b) to advise the State Government on any matter
concerning the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution; (c) to collect and
disseminate information relating to air pollution; (d) to inspect, at all reasonable
times, any control equipment, industrial plant or manufacturing process and to
give, such directions to such persons as it may be necessary to take steps for the
prevention, control or abatement of air pollution; (f) to advise the State
Government with respect to the suitability of any premises or location for carrying
on any industry which is likely to cause air pollution;

A State Board or any officer empowered by it have power to take samples of air or
emission from any chimney, flue or duct or any other outlet for the purpose of
analysis in such manner as may be prescribed to assess the level of Air pollution.
Stringent penalty provisions have been laid for any violation of prescribed
standards.

Check Your Progress Exercise 8

25) What is “Control Equipment” described under this Act?

....................................................................................................................... ............
………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………….......................................................................

26) Describe an important function of Central Board under this Act?

..................................................................................................................………......
………………………………………………………………………………………
...................................................................................................................................

22
27) Why does State Board take sample of air or emission?
....................................................................................................................... ............
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………........................................................................

13.10 LET US SUM UP

The aforementioned Acts/Rules contribute significantly to serve consumer
protection. Awareness is being continuously created in consumers’ mind for
safeguarding their rights and protecting against health hazards, deception or fraud.
Consumer is also cautioned on continuous basis via media for his/her food
protection from consumption of any toxic substances like chemical pollutants
including insecticides/ pesticides. The pollutants emanating as a result of Water
pollution or Air pollution have been identified as being potent health hazards,
which have been affecting large population of our country. Through these
Acts/Rules we have been made well aware of our rights and provided shields to
firmly protect ourselves from deception, adulteration, unfair trade practices and
restrictive trade practices in our day to day life. All these ‘Agencies’ in
coordination with PFA Act/Rules are directly or indirectly involved in Food
Safety measures and other consumer protection aspects.

13.11 SUGGESTED FURTHER READING

The Standards of Weights & Measures Act, 1976; The Standards of Weights &
Measures(Packaged Commodities) Rules, 1977 [Website: www.fcamin.nic.in],

The Insecticides Act, 1968 [Website:www.agri.coop.nic.in],

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 [Website: www.fcamin.nic.in],

The Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of
Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992 as Amended in 2003 (IMS Act)
[Website: http://wcd.nic.in];

Customs Act, 1962 [www.commin.nic.in].

Environmental Protection Act [Website:http://envfor.nic.in];

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974,

The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; ECOMARK

[website:envfor.nic.in/cpcb/ecomark]

13.12 KEY WORDS

23
Electronic Balance : Electronically operated Balance having inbuilt
system of weighing.

Pesticides : The agents to destroy insects, rodents, fungi,

weeds and other forms of plants or animal life not
useful to human beings;

M.R.T.P. Act : Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act,

Misbranded : Misrepresented or deficient in certain labeling

declarations;

Tariff Value : The rate of custom duty chargeable on category of

goods

Infant Milk Substitute : Any Infant Food which is partial or total

replacement of mothers milk.

Pollutants : Emission or discharge of foul or toxic substances;

gas, liquid or solid;

Exaggerated Claim : Misleading, hyper or irrelevant claim

Restrictive Trade : A trade practice which leads to manipulation of

Practices price or condition of delivery etc to impose on
consumer un justified costs;

Contravention: : Contrary to or in violation to the rules or

provisions;

Biological Diversity : (or Biodiversity): Existence of variety of living

Beings on earth and their interaction with
environments;

Water Pollution : Contamination of water by discharge of any

sewage, trade effluents, or any other substances to
render water harmful or injurious to public health;

Trade Effluents : It includes any liquid, gaseous or solid substances

discharged from any operational treatment and
disposal system of an industry;

Industrial Plant : It means any plant used for any industrial or trad
purposes and emitting any air pollutant into the

24
 atmosphere

Air Pollution : It means any solid, liquid or gaseous substance

including noise present in the atmosphere in such
concentration as may be or tend to be injurious to
human beings or other living creatures or plants.

13.13 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

EXERCISES
Your answer should include the following points:

Ans 1 : The Standards of Weights & Measures Act, 1976 is an Act to establish
standards of Weights & Measures to regulate inter-state trade or commerce in
weights, measures and other goods which are sold or distributed by quantity that
is; weight, measure or number, and to provide for matters connected therewith.

Ans 2 : The two declarations may be (1) The common or generic name of the
commodity contained in the package and (2) Net quantity in terms of standard
unit.

Ans 3: As contained under Schedule III of Standards of Weights & Measures

(Packaged Commodities) Rules, certain commodities like; Biscuits, Bread, Coffee,
Tea etc. are required to be packed in specified quantities say 100g, 200g, 500g ….
However if packed in a size other than that prescribed in that Schedule, it shall be
a ‘Non standard pack size’

Ans 4: As contained under the Rules, the maximum retail sale price of the package
shall be declared as MRP Rs. ____ (inclusive of all taxes).

Ans 5: Commercial Pest Control Operation means any application or dispersion

of insecticides including fumigants in household, public or private premises;

Ans 6: The main targets of insecticides contamination are: food grains & milled
grains, milk & milk products, meat, poultry and eggs;

Ans 7: Tolerance limits are the prescribed limits of insecticides which can
generally be tolerated by the human system. These are specified in Prevention of
Food Adulteration Rules, 1955.

Ans 8: The consumer protection councils promote and protect the rights of
consumer from any deception, shortcomings in purity and quality or deficiency in
service;

Ans 9: Unfair methods or deceptive practices amounting to false representation

about quality, standards and composition of the product;

25
Ans 10: “Complaint” under Consumer Protection Act means any allegation in
writing made by a complainant against adoption by someone, of unfair trade
practices or restrictive trade practices;

Ans 11: Recognized Voluntary Consumer Association means an association

Recognized by the State or Central Government subject to the prescribed
guidelines and registered under the Companies Act,1956;

Ans 12 : Any goods the import or export of which is subject to any prohibition
under Customs Act or any other law for the time being in force subject to any
relaxation

Ans 13: Custom officer may detain any imported package which he suspects to be
the goods or food, import of which is prohibited under law;

Ans 14 : Customs duty chargeable on any goods by reference to their value, the
price at which such like goods are sold or offered for sale;

Ans 15: Health Care System means any institution or organization engaged
directly or indirectly in health care of mothers, infants or pregnant women;

Ans 16: The feeding bottles should conform to standards specified by B.I.S;

Ans 17 : The important Notice under ‘The Infant Milk Substitute, … (Regulation,
Supply & Distribution) Act’ is- “MOTHERS MILK IS BEST FOR YOUR
BABY”

Ans 18: The warning under ‘The Infant Milk Substitute, …. .Act’ is – Infant Milk
Substitute or Infant food is not the sole source of nourishment of an infant;

Ans 19: ‘Environmental Protection’ means protecting and improving the quality of
environment from industries or other operations;

Ans 20: The emissions or discharge of environmental pollutants in an area, from

industries, operations, process, automobiles and domestic sources in the form of
gaseous, liquid or solid substances may be the causative factors to deteriorate the
food and render it injurious to health and environments in general.

Ans. 21: The important factors while prohibiting or restricting the location of
industries are concentration of various environmental pollutants and the likely
emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from an industry, process or
operation;

Ans 22 : ‘Sewage Effluents’ means the effluents from any sewerage system or
sewage disposal works and includes garbage from open drains;

Ans 23 : The State Board takes samples of water or sewage etc. for the purpose of
determining presence of poisonous, noxious or polluting matters in water;

26
Ans 24: An important function of State Pollution Control Board is to advise the
Central Govt. on any matter concerning the prevention and control of water
pollution;

Ans 25 : "Control equipment" means any apparatus, device, equipment or system

to control the quality and manner of emission of any air pollutant and includes any
device used for securing the efficient operation of any industrial plant;

Ans 26: The Central Board for Prevention & Control of Air Pollution may advise
the Central Government on any matter concerning the improvement of the quality
of air and the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution.

Ans 27: A State Board or any officer empowered by it in this behalf shall have
power to take, for the purpose of analysis, samples of air or emission from any
chimney, flue or duct or any other outlet in such manner as may be prescribed to
assess the level of Air pollution. Stringent penalty provisions are laid for any
violation of prescribed standards.

27