Incorrect Labelling of Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Food

K

khushboo

New member
Seller Name
California Burrito
Company Name
Zomato
Product Name
Tacos
Website Name
www.zomato.com
Loss Amount
282
Ratings
1.00 star(s)
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding a recent order I placed through Zomato from the restaurant California Burrito. The order included three tacos — two non-vegetarian and one vegetarian. Unfortunately, the food was incorrectly labeled: the vegetarian taco was tagged as non-vegetarian, and a non-vegetarian taco was labeled as vegetarian.

As a lifelong pure vegetarian, I trusted the labelling and unknowingly consumed the non-vegetarian taco. This incident has been extremely distressing and emotionally disturbing for me, as it violates my dietary, religious and personal values. I am feeling deeply uneasy and disappointed by this experience.

I urge please take this matter seriously and investigate how such a critical error occurred. I also request that you take appropriate action against the restaurant and ensure stricter checks to prevent such incidents in the future.

I would appreciate a prompt response and a resolution to this matter.Taco 1.jpgTaco2.jpg
 
Hello @khushboo

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with incorrect vegetarian/non-vegetarian labeling. In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates clear labeling to distinguish between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products. Here's an overview of the regulations and steps you can take to address such issues:

Understanding Veg/Non-Veg Labeling Regulations in India​

Mandatory Symbols​

According to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, every packaged food product must display a symbol indicating whether it's vegetarian or non-vegetarian:
  • Vegetarian Food: A green color-filled circle inside a square with a green outline.
  • Non-Vegetarian Food: A brown color-filled circle inside a square with a brown outline.
These symbols must be prominently displayed on the package, contrasting against the background, and placed close to the name or brand name of the product.

Legal Precedents​

The Delhi High Court has emphasized the importance of accurate labeling, stating that even a minuscule percentage of non-vegetarian ingredients renders a product non-vegetarian. Mislabeling can offend religious and cultural sentiments and infringe upon individuals' rights under Articles 21 and 25 of the Constitution.

🛠️ Steps to Address Mislabeling​

  1. Document the Issue: Take clear photographs of the product, highlighting the incorrect labeling and any ingredient lists.
  2. Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to the company's customer service to report the issue and seek clarification or rectification.
  3. File a Complaint with FSSAI:
  4. Approach Consumer Forums: If unsatisfied with the response, you can file a complaint with the National Consumer Helpline or use the E-Jagriti portal for online redressal.
  5. Legal Action: For severe grievances, consider consulting a legal professional to explore further legal remedies.


Ensuring accurate food labeling is crucial for consumer rights and religious sentiments. If you need assistance drafting a complaint or require further guidance, feel free to ask
 
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