Andhra Pradesh consumer commission awards compensation and imposes punitive damages after a customer allegedly developed food poisoning linked to an expired packet of instant noodles.

Customer Reportedly Fell Ill After Consuming Expired Product

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, has held Vishal Mega Mart liable for selling an expired packet of Maggi Atta Instant Noodles to a customer who later developed symptoms consistent with food poisoning.

According to the Commission’s order dated July 10, P. Sravan Kumar purchased two packets of Maggi Atta Instant Noodles from a Vishal Mega Mart outlet in Yemmiganur on March 20, 2025. After consuming one packet that night, he reportedly developed fever, vomiting and stomach pain. Medical records submitted before the Commission indicated food poisoning.

When Kumar examined the remaining packet, he found that it had expired on March 18, 2025—two days before the retailer sold it.

Commission Holds Retailer Accountable

The Commission noted that Vishal Mega Mart neither responded to the legal notice nor appeared before the proceedings. As a result, the complainant’s evidence—including the purchase receipt, payment records, expired product, medical documents and proof of legal notice—remained unchallenged.

The Commission ruled that selling a product past its expiry date constituted gross negligence and a deficiency in service. It further observed that such practices violate consumer rights and raise concerns that other expired products could also reach unsuspecting consumers, posing a risk to public health.

Compensation and Consumer Safety

The Commission directed Vishal Mega Mart to pay ₹25,000 as compensation for mental agony and ₹5,000 towards litigation costs. It also ordered the retailer to deposit ₹2.5 lakh into the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Relief Fund as punitive damages, citing the public health implications of selling expired food products.

The retailer has been given 45 days to comply with the order, failing which the amount will attract 9% annual interest until payment.

Food Safety Takeaway

Expired products can lose quality and, depending on the food, may pose food safety risks. Retailers should implement effective stock rotation and routinely remove expired products from shelves. Consumers can reduce their risk by checking expiry dates and package integrity before purchasing packaged foods and reporting expired products to the appropriate food safety authorities.

Source: The Times of India