Bakery Directed to Pay ₹80,000 for Flies Found in Sealed Rusk Packet

In a significant consumer protection ruling, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Mohali has directed a bakery to pay ₹80,000 as compensation to a woman who discovered flies and insects inside a sealed rusk packet ordered online.

Case Background

The complainant placed an online food order through a delivery platform for bakery items, including atta suji rusk, paying a nominal amount for the purchase. Upon opening the sealed packet, she found flies and insects, raising serious concerns about food safety and hygiene.

Bakery’s Defence Rejected

The bakery attempted to shift the blame to the delivery partner, arguing that contamination could have occurred during transit. However, the Commission rejected this contention, noting that:

The product was delivered in sealed condition

Insects could not have entered during delivery

Responsibility for food quality lies with the manufacturer/seller


Commission’s Findings

The Commission held the bakery guilty of:

Deficiency in service

Unfair trade practice

Negligence in food safety and hygiene


The bakery also failed to file its reply within the statutory period, resulting in its right to respond being struck off.

Relief Granted

The Commission directed:

₹80,000 compensation to the complainant

₹20,000 contribution to the Poor Patient Relief Fund

Payment to be made within 30 days, failing which 9% annual interest would apply


Legal Significance

This ruling reinforces that:

Sellers cannot evade liability by blaming delivery platforms

Supplying contaminated food violates consumer rights

Even low-value purchases can attract substantial compensation if health and safety are compromised.


Key Takeaway

Food businesses must strictly comply with hygiene and quality standards. Consumers are well within their rights to seek legal remedies for defective or unsafe food products under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Nik Baker’s Complaint