Decide on safety sealing in six months: HC to Centre
The Bombay High Court has given the Union
government six months’ time to take a decision on making safety sealing
mandatory for healthcare and hygiene products.
- The court passed the directive
while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL). The PIL is about
pilferage of cosmetics, child care, healthcare and hygiene products.
What’s the concern?
The PIL states that while in transit from
manufacturer to consumer, there is a possibility of contamination and
adulteration of the products due to the absence of a seal. It also highlights
that at present, there are no mandatory provisions to put the seal.
Background:
Previously, the State had said that there are
no mandatory provisions under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and hence the
sealing of the products cannot be done. However, in October 2014, the Centre
said that it is awaiting recommendations from a committee constituted to look
into the matter.
- The government had also said that all creams and
lotions are mandatorily sealed under the amended Drugs and Cosmetics Act,
2013.
