Bug in alcohol earns consumer half a lakh

September 20, 2014 10:35 am | Updated 10:35 am IST - CHENNAI:

G. Ramesh of Tiruvottiyur found treasure in a bottle, and a bug. The bug recently earned him Rs. 55,000.

Way back in 2012, Ramesh found a decomposed insect in a brandy bottle and filed a complaint before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum–North. Recently, the forum ordered the alcohol brand manufacturer to pay a compensation of Rs. 55,000.

On April 8, 2012, Ramesh had purchased a full bottle of brandy from a TASMAC shop in Tondiarpet. When he was about to consume it, he found an insect floating in it. He questioned the TASMAC shop employees, but they dismissed the incident and refused to provide a bill.

Ramesh lodged a complaint with the Tondiarpet police. The brandy manufacturer, United Spirits Limited, refuted Ramesh’s allegation and said the product had undergone stringent quality tests.

The consumer forum, comprising president V. Gopal and members V. Dayalan and T. Kalaiyarasi, observed that consumption of the brandy would have resulted in health hazards. They also pointed out that selling adulterated brandy amounted to unfair trade practices.

The officials said they often received complaints about the presence of insects in cool drinks and food products. “But not many come forward to lodge complaints. There is a need to increase awareness of rights among consumers,” said an official.

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