Stressing that strong action was necessary against a company that sold "toxic" winter green oil to numerous unidentifiable consumers, Tamil Nadu State Consumer Disputes Redressal today levied a fine of Rs 20,000 on M/s South India spices.
Allowing the complaint given by two persons the Judicial President of the forum J Jayaram said "Equity demands that such unscrupulous traders, who are playing with life of gullible consumers, must be dealt with a heavy hand. It is a fit case for punitive damages"
The forum directed the company to withdraw Gaultheria Winter Green Oil, claiming that it would relieve muscle pain, from Sale and discontinue this type of unfair trade practice in future and said, out of the fine amount, Rs 10,000 should be paid to the Consumer Legal Aid account of the Commission and the balance should be paid to the complaintants.
The forum wanted Commissioner of Kodaikanal Municipality where the green oil was sold,and health officer to take suitable action against the company.
The winter oil sold by the company did not have the name of the manufacturer,contents of the liquid in the bottle, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date and precautions.
No seizure was made by the health officer or commissioner and this was not acceptable.
The toxic/hazardous Gaultheria Winter green oil was packed in 60ml bottles and is being distributed throughout Kodaikanal town without name and address of the manufacturer, violating the Packaged Commodity rules.
The complainant said 30ml of wintergreen oil was equal to 171 adult aspirin tablets. This illustrated the potency and Potential toxicity of the oil. Accidental overdose might cause death. The use of the oil on the skin of children could result in serious health complications. It is not safe for pregnant woman to use and nursing children. But it is being sold without any precautions, the complainants said.
