(a) whether the Government are aware of the study conducted by Voluntary Organizations in Interest of Consumer Education (VOICE) according to which top brands pass off sub-standard soaps to the consumers;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the action taken in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD
& PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SUBHASH MAHARIA)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Voluntary Organization in Interest of
Consumer Education (VOICE) in its study have, inter-alia
commented on 12 brands of toilet soaps with regard to
ingredients, weight, Total Fat Contents and lather they
generate apparently with a view to enlighten the consumers.
(c) : Soaps are not covered under the Mandatory
Certification Scheme of the Bureau of Indian Standards.
Therefore, manufacturers of soaps are not required to obtain
Bureau of Indian Standards Certification Mark for manufacturing
soaps which could ensure their conformity to the quality
specifications prescribed in the relevant Indian Standards.
Beside, none of the brands tested by VOICE are ISI marked.