Sub-Standard Poultry Feed, Failure To Display Nutritional Chart On Feed Bags Is Unfair Trade Practice: Baramulla District Commission

Brief facts:

The complainants have poultry farms under the name Lone Poultry and KGN Poultry situated in Zaloora, Baramulla. They used to purchase poultry feed from Bhat Poultries ('Seller') which was manufactured by Maha Feeds Agrotech ('manufacturer') As per the complainants, they were supplied sub-standard poultry feed which resulted in mass mortality, stunted growth and huge financial loss. It was stated that at the time of purchase, an assurance was given by the suppliers that the poultry feed contains more than 20% protein level which is essential for the growth of chickens. However, the complainants noticed a reduced growth in their chicks while using the feed.

The complainants approached the manufacturer raising this issue. However, the suppliers asked them to get the poultry feed tested. Subsequently, the complainants got the feed tested from a poultry nutritionist in Srinagar. The test report showed the protein level to be 15.5% which was far below the standard level. The complainants then again approached the suppliers raising their grievances but it remained unresolved. Hence, a complaint was filed before the Baramulla district commission praying for appropriate compensation.

The manufacturer and seller are jointly referred to as suppliers.

Submissions of the complainants:

The complainants produced four witnesses to support their claim that the poultry feed was of sub-standard quality. It was submitted that as per the test report of the nutritionist it was demonstrated that the feed was deficient in essential nutrients. The complainants relied on the statement of a poultry expert as per which chickens should receive all nutrients through the feed and any deficiency may impact their health. It was argued that the suppliers misrepresented their products and engaged in unfair trade practice.

Submissions of the suppliers:

As per the suppliers, no assurance with respect to protein levels was ever given by them to the complainants. It was submitted that the same products were sold to other poultry farms as well and no complaint has been received from any of them. It was further submitted that the samples of the feed were not taken in the presence of authorized representatives of the manufacturer company.

Observations of the commission:

The bench referred to the test report of the nutritionist and observed that the report substantiates that the poultry feed had a protein level of 15.5% only as against 20%. It was observed that as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines, it is mandatory to display a nutritional chart on the poultry feed bags which ensures transparency about the nutritional contents and enables consumers to use the product safely.

Thus, the bench held the suppliers liable for unfair trade practice for selling feed bags without display of nutritional charts and also for not containing sufficient amounts of nutrient levels. Hence, the complaint was allowed with the following directions and reliefs:

1. The suppliers were directed to recall feed products from the market sold without display of nutritional charts.
2. Strict adherence to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines was directed.
3. An amount of Rs. 5,00,000 to be paid to each complainant as compensation.
4. Refund of Rs. 2,22,457/- and Rs. 1,89,016/- paid by complainants for purchase of feed bags.
5. Rs. 30,000 as litigation costs.

Case Title: Lone Poultry & Anr. vs Maha Feeds Agrotech & Anr.

Case Number: Consumer Complaint 12/2023

Advocate for Complainants: Mudasir Hameed

Advocate for Opposite Parties: Asif Khan

Date of Decision: 24.06.2025

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