Key Update

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Ludhiana, ordered Walmart India Pvt. Ltd. to pay ₹10,000 as compensation for selling expired packaged chicken kebabs. On August 18, 2024, the complainant, Ravi, bought four products worth ₹545 from a Walmart outlet, including a 500-gram packet of chicken seekh kebab priced at ₹106. When he reached home, he discovered that the kebab had already expired on August 17, 2024, even though the label clearly mentioned a consumption period from November 18, 2023, to August 17, 2024.

Legal Action Taken

Ravi argued that Walmart’s sale of expired food was hazardous to health and amounted to unfair trade practices as well as a deficiency in service. He said the lapse caused him both mental stress and physical discomfort. He also issued a legal notice on August 20, 2024, but Walmart did not respond. When summoned, Walmart failed to appear before the commission, prompting the bench to proceed ex parte against the company on February 13, 2025. Ravi supported his case with an affidavit, the purchase invoice, and details of the expired product.

Commission’s Findings

The commission noted that Walmart failed to contest the evidence. President Sanjeev Batra and member Monika Bhagat ruled that selling expired goods constitutes an actionable wrong under Section 2(6)(v) of the Consumer Protection Act, particularly when such products endanger health. They also cited provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which prohibit the sale of food beyond its expiry date. The commission held Walmart responsible for violating the consumer’s “right to safety” and concluded that its lapse caused Ravi both monetary loss and mental agony.

Final Order

The commission directed Walmart to pay ₹10,000 as composite compensation within 30 days. If Walmart fails to comply, it must pay 8% annual interest on the amount from the date of complaint until the payment is made.

Source: The Hindustan Times