A Chandigarh consumer court has directed a pet food manufacturer to compensate a city resident after she discovered worms and insects in a sealed packet of dog food purchased for her pet Labrador. The ruling has been viewed as a significant decision reinforcing consumer rights and product quality standards.
The case was filed by Chandigarh resident Himani Jamwal, who purchased a packet of dog food in April 2023. According to the complaint, she found the contents of one of the sealed food sausages to be rotten and infested with live worms and insects when she opened it. She documented the condition of the product through photographs and videos and contacted the company’s customer support channels seeking action.
During the proceedings, the manufacturer argued that improper storage by the consumer could have caused the infestation. However, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission rejected the defence, observing that there was no evidence to prove mishandling of the product after purchase. The commission held that the explanation was speculative and insufficient to absolve the company of responsibility.
The commission concluded that the company had supplied a defective product and was guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practices. It ordered the manufacturer to refund the product cost along with interest and pay compensation and litigation expenses to the complainant.
The decision highlights the accountability of manufacturers in maintaining quality standards and serves as a reminder that consumers have legal remedies when defective products reach the market.
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