(a) whether some fake edible oil companies distributing spurious oil using wrappers, containers and holograms of some renowned oil companies have been detected in various parts of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the action taken against such companies and their owners ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (DR. AKHILESH PRASAD SINGH )
(a), (b) & (c): According to information available, no such cases regarding fake edible oil companies distributing spurious oil using wrappers, containers and holograms of some renowned oil companies have been found, particularly in the major oil producing States, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Kerala. However, preventive mechanism exists to prevent the falsifying or the false application of trademarks, false trade descriptions, etc. under the Trade Mark Act, 1999. The remedies available under the Trade Mark Act, 1999 relate to the protection of the Intellectual Property Rights inherent in a trademark and provide both civil and criminal remedies for registered trademark owners. Besides, distribution of spurious oil attracts the provisions of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
Any aggrieved consumer can also seek redressal in the Consumer Forums established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 against any defect in the goods purchased or deficiency in the service availed including the restrictive trade practices or unfair trade practices adopted by any person.