Customer alleges Smart Bazaar store in Dharashiv sold expired food items, files complaint

The Smart Bazaar store in Dharashiv city has been accused of selling food items that were past their expiry date. A customer has filed a written complaint with the district administration. The complaint demands an inquiry into the matter and action against the store as per rules.

The complaint was made on October 22. It names the Smart Bazaar outlet in Dharashiv city, described as a store of Reliance Retail Limited. The complainant bought packaged food items from the shop on October 21 and 22. The complainant says the items were past their expiry date, and has objected on that ground.

The complainant claims that after consuming the items, they suffered stomach pain and vomiting. According to the complainant, they also had to seek medical treatment after their health worsened. This has been stated in the complaint. These are all claims made by the complainant, and there is no official confirmation of them so far.

In the demand, the complainant has said that the sale of expired goods is a serious matter affecting the health of customers. The food items kept in the store should therefore be examined. The manufacturing dates and the last dates of use of the items kept for sale should also be checked. If the complaint is found to have substance, action should be taken against those responsible as per rules.

A copy of the complaint has been submitted at the office of the Dharashiv District Collector. People concerned said they also plan to complain to Tukaram Mundhe, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.

Information is not currently available on what action the district administration has taken so far in the matter. It is also not clear whether the store has been inspected. The store management's response has not come out either. An official inquiry into the allegations in the complaint will therefore be important.

Traders selling food items are expected to sell safe food and follow the applicable food safety rules. On receiving a complaint about the sale of expired goods, the agency concerned can investigate and take appropriate action.