Significant Update 

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, imposed a ₹2 lakh penalty on Coca-Cola after it found a plastic piece inside a sealed Maaza bottle. It also directed the company to pay ₹50,000 to the complainant as compensation for mental distress and legal expenses. Tushar Purohit, a resident of Dhibba Para, Jaisalmer, bought a carton of Maaza from a local vendor on July 16, 2025. He later discovered a plastic fragment inside one of the sealed bottles and filed a complaint before the consumer commission in August 2025. He also submitted the bottle as evidence during the proceedings.

Court Examines Evidence and Finds Lapses

During the hearing, the complainant’s lawyer presented the contaminated bottle, and the Commission observed the visible plastic piece during inspection. The bench held that the evidence clearly supported the contamination claim and pointed to serious lapses in quality control. The Commission also noted that the bottle carried a manufacturing date of March 16, 2025, which indicated that the product remained in circulation for several months before sale. It raised concerns about weak inspection and distribution systems that allowed the product to reach consumers.

Coca-Cola Defends Its Process, Commission Rejects Argument

Coca-Cola defended its bottling system by stating that it follows a fully automated and hygienic process. It also argued that the complaint aimed to damage its reputation. However, the Commission rejected this defence and stated that contamination in a sealed consumable product reflects clear negligence and creates a serious health risk. The Commission also pointed out that the invoice carried a “goods once sold will not be taken back” clause. It noted that this condition prevented the consumer from returning the defective product and forced him to seek legal remedy.

Commission Orders Penalty and Compensation

The Commission directed Coca-Cola to deposit ₹2 lakh into the State Consumer Welfare Fund. It also awarded ₹40,000 for mental harassment and ₹10,000 for legal expenses to the complainant. The company must comply within 45 days, failing which it will attract 9% interest on the penalty amount. The Commission stated that it does not accept negligence from large food and beverage companies when it comes to product safety. It reinforced that manufacturers must maintain strict quality control, ensure traceability, and protect consumer health at all stages.

Source: ETV Bharat