A shocking complaint has been raised by Pankaj Pathania against Cadbury Gifting India after finding fungus in a sealed chocolate pack. Learn full details, consumer concerns, and how to file your own complaint via Choice4Voice.com
Complaint Summary : Cadbury Gifting India Complaint – Fungus Found in Chocolate | Consumer Case by Pankaj Pathania
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Pankaj Pathania |
| Brand Name | Cadbury Gifting India |
| Product | Cadbury Gifting Pack – Chocolate |
| Issue Reported | Chocolate pack found spoiled with white fungus despite valid expiry date |
| Purchase Date | Recently purchased (August 2025) |
| Expiry Date on Pack | Valid until 2026 |
| Proof Available | Bill and photos of spoiled chocolate |
| Shopkeeper’s Response | Refused to take back or replace the product |
| Location | Not specified (purchased from a local shop in India) |
| Consumer Demand | Strict action, consumer court escalation, and public safety accountability |
| LinkedIn Source | Original complaint by Pankaj Pathania |
Full Complaint Write-Up
Pankaj Pathania, a consumer from India, has raised a serious complaint against Cadbury Gifting India after purchasing a chocolate gifting pack from a local shop.
To his shock, when he opened the sealed chocolate pack, the product was completely covered with white fungus, making it unsafe for consumption. Even more concerning, the manufacturing date and expiry details on the pack showed validity until 2026 which means the product should not have been spoiled.
Despite presenting proof such as the original bill and photos of the spoiled chocolate, the shopkeeper refused to take the product back or provide a replacement.
This raises major questions on food safety, quality control, and consumer protection, especially since chocolates are consumed widely by children and families.
The complainant has expressed his intention to escalate the matter legally and file a complaint in consumer court, urging Cadbury Gifting India to investigate and ensure such negligence is not repeated.
About Cadbury Gifting India
Cadbury, a brand owned by Mondelēz International, is one of the most trusted and popular chocolate brands in India and across the world. The Cadbury Gifting India division is specifically designed for festive packs, bulk purchases, and corporate gifting.
However, despite its reputation, consumers have occasionally reported issues related to product quality, improper storage, fungus in chocolates, and packaging concerns. Such incidents highlight the importance of strict quality checks, supply chain monitoring, and shop-level storage verification to ensure customer safety and brand trust.
Cadbury has a large customer base in India, making it essential for the brand to respond quickly to consumer complaints to maintain its reputation.
Questions & Answers on Cadbury Complaints
1. Why did fungus appear in my Cadbury chocolate?
Fungus can appear if chocolates are stored in humid conditions, not transported properly, or if there is a manufacturing defect. Even sealed packs can get spoiled if quality control is compromised.
2. Can I return spoiled Cadbury chocolate to the shop?
Yes, under Consumer Protection Act, 2019, you are entitled to return unsafe or expired products. However, many shopkeepers deny refunds, in which case you should escalate to consumer forums.
3. How do I raise a complaint against Cadbury India?
You can raise complaints directly with Cadbury customer care via email, toll-free helplines, or submit complaints publicly through platforms like Choice4Voice.com.
4. Is it safe to eat Cadbury chocolate with white spots?
If the spots are sugar bloom (caused by temperature changes), it may be safe but not ideal. If it’s fungus (green/white patches), it is unsafe and should not be consumed.
5. What is the Cadbury customer care email in India?
You can reach Cadbury India via their official consumer contact page. Email addresses may vary based on product, but generally complaints can be filed via consumercare@mdlzindia.com.
6. Can I sue Cadbury for selling spoiled chocolate?
Yes, if you have proof (bill, photos, pack details), you can file a case in the Consumer Court for compensation and accountability.
7. Why do sealed Cadbury chocolates sometimes spoil?
This usually happens due to improper storage conditions, such as high humidity, unclean warehouses, or supply chain lapses.
8. Can spoiled chocolate cause food poisoning?
Yes, chocolates contaminated with fungus can cause food poisoning, stomach infections, and serious health risks, especially for children.
9. How can I check if Cadbury chocolate is original or fake?
Always check for proper packaging, FSSAI license number, batch code, and manufacturing details. Counterfeit chocolates are common in local shops.
10. Where can I report unsafe chocolates in India?
You can report to:
- FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)
- Consumer Forum / NCDRC
- Platforms like Choice4Voice.com
11. Does Cadbury replace defective products?
Yes, Cadbury usually offers replacements or refunds for genuine defective products when raised through proper channels.
12. Can fungus grow on chocolate even before expiry?
Yes, if storage and handling are poor, fungus can appear even within the validity period.
13. What should I do if the shopkeeper refuses to take back spoiled chocolate?
Keep your bill, take photos, and file a complaint with consumer court or escalate online.
14. How do I raise a complaint with Mondelēz International?
You can visit www.mondelezinternational.com/contact to raise a complaint directly with the parent company.
15. Can I claim compensation for spoiled chocolates?
Yes, you can demand refund, replacement, and even compensation for mental distress and safety risks through consumer courts.
16. What temperature should Cadbury chocolates be stored at?
Cadbury recommends chocolates to be stored at 18–22°C, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
17. Why do some chocolates have white layers on them?
This is usually sugar bloom or fat bloom, not fungus. However, in Pankaj’s case, it was clearly fungus contamination.
18. Can children fall sick from spoiled Cadbury chocolates?
Yes, children are at higher risk of foodborne illness from contaminated chocolates.
19. How long does Cadbury chocolate last before expiry?
Cadbury chocolates usually have a shelf life of 6–12 months depending on type and packaging.
20. How can I highlight my complaint publicly for faster resolution?
You can submit complaints on LinkedIn, Twitter, or platforms like Choice4Voice.com, where brands are pressured to act due to public visibility.
Choice4Voice.com – Your Voice Matters
At Choice4Voice.com, we help consumers like Pankaj Pathania get their voices heard. Our platform only publishes:
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