The Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, along with its subsequent amendments, sets out the charges, penalties, and punishments for food and drug law violations in India. These violations can range from misbranding, adulteration, and the sale of unsafe or contaminated food to the manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs without proper authorization. The charges, penalties, and punishments for food and drug law violations in India are severe and are meant to deter violators from engaging in such activities.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, any person found guilty of violating the food or drug law will be subject to fines and/or imprisonment. The fine for a first offence can range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 5 lakh, depending on the severity of the offence. In the case of a second or subsequent offence, the fine can range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 10 lakh.
A fine of up to Rs 20 lakh can be imposed in the case of a third or subsequent offence. In addition, any person found guilty of violating the food or drug laws in India may be subject to imprisonment. The sentence can range from 6 months to 7 years, depending on the severity of the offence. If a person is found guilty of a repeat offence, the sentence can range from 1 year to 10 years. The imprisonment can be further extended if the offence is of a serious nature.
Apart from fines and imprisonment, the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 also provides for other forms of punishment. These include confiscation of the goods or articles involved in the offence, seizure of any equipment or materials used for the manufacture, storage, or distribution of the adulterated or contaminated food or drugs, and cancellation of any licence or authorization related to the offence.
The Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 also provides for the suspension or cancellation of registrations or licences issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India or any other authorised body under the Act. In addition, the Act also provides for the suspension or cancellation of any premises or establishments involved in the offence. The suspension or cancellation of registrations or licences will be effective until the violation is rectified or until the period of suspension or cancellation has expired.