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Submit your complaint →Consumer Parit Jain reports serious food safety concerns after ITC Master Chef Classic Aloo Tikki purchased from Flipkart got spoiled before expiry, raising questions about product quality, hygiene, and storage practices.
Complaint Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Parit Jain |
| Company/Brand | ITC Master Chef / Flipkart |
| Product/Service | ITC Master Chef Classic Aloo Tikki (50% Extra Free) |
| Complaint Type | Food Safety Violation / Product Spoilage Before Expiry |
| Order ID | OD434407754303190200 |
| Manufacturer | Vista Processed Foods Pvt. Ltd. (A Division of OSI Group) |
| Batch No. | 05NOV24/N24310 01 |
| Manufacturing Date | 05-Apr-2024 |
| Expiry Date | 29-Apr-2026 |
| Issue Description | Product was covered with mold and fungal growth despite being stored in the freezer, indicating possible contamination or poor packaging hygiene. |
| Requested Action | Immediate investigation by ITC, Flipkart, and FSSAI for product safety and compensation for defective product. |
| LinkedIn Source | View Original Post |
Full Write-Up
A consumer, Parit Jain, raised a serious food safety concern after discovering that his ITC Master Chef Classic Aloo Tikki (50% Extra Free) had mold and fungal growth well before the expiry date.
The product was purchased from Flipkart under order ID OD434407754303190200 and stored properly in the freezer as per instructions. Despite this, the product was found spoiled and unfit for consumption, indicating quality control, packaging hygiene, or cold chain failure.
Product Details Reported
- Product: ITC Master Chef Classic Aloo Tikki (50% Extra Free)
- Manufactured by: Vista Processed Foods Pvt. Ltd. (Division of OSI Group)
- Batch No.: 05NOV24/N24310 01
- Manufacturing Date: 05-Apr-2024
- Expiry Date: 29-Apr-2026
- License No.: 10012031000312
The complainant emphasized that such incidents raise serious concerns about consumer safety, especially when dealing with frozen ready-to-eat products.
He urged ITC Limited, ITC Foods Limited, Flipkart, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to investigate immediately and take corrective action to prevent recurrence.
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
At Choice4Voice.com, we support consumers facing food safety violations or product contamination by:
- Publishing verified cases to raise public awareness.
- Assisting in filing complaints with FSSAI, consumer forums, and district authorities.
- Providing draft templates for faster complaint submission.
- Connecting with responsible media and regulators for quicker redressal.
If you’ve faced a similar issue, you can submit your case through our Consumer Complaint Form for review and public advocacy.
Applicable Legal Cases & Authorities
| Law / Authority | Purpose |
|---|---|
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) | To report unsafe, unhygienic, or adulterated food products. |
| Consumer Protection Act, 2019 | For claiming compensation and replacement for defective food items. |
| Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 | To address mislabelling or incorrect expiry/manufacture information. |
| District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (DCDRC) | To seek monetary compensation and punitive damages. |
| Civil Liability under Section 47 of FSS Act, 2006 | For manufacturing or selling unsafe food causing harm. |
Step-by-Step Complaint Filing Guide
1. File a Food Safety Complaint with FSSAI
- Visit: https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in/cmsweb/HOME.aspx
- Choose “Consumer Grievance” → “Submit Complaint”
- Attach photos, invoice, and packaging details.
- Mention manufacturer’s FSSAI License Number: 10012031000312
2. File a Complaint in the Consumer Forum
- Visit: https://edaakhil.nic.in
- Upload purchase receipt, order ID, photos, and description.
- Mention the seller (Flipkart) and manufacturer (ITC Foods).
3. Write to ITC Foods Customer Care
- Email: itc.care@itc.in
- Subject: Complaint – Spoiled ITC Master Chef Product Before Expiry
- Include product details, order ID, photos, and request for replacement/refund.
4. Write to Flipkart Customer Support
- Email: grievance.officer@flipkart.com
- Attach order ID and product photos, request refund and removal of defective stock.
Pre-Drafted Templates
A. Email Template to FSSAI
Subject: Unsafe Food Product Complaint – ITC Master Chef Classic Aloo Tikki (Batch No. 05NOV24/N24310 01)
Dear FSSAI Team,
I am writing to report a serious food safety concern regarding ITC Master Chef Classic Aloo Tikki purchased from Flipkart (Order ID: OD434407754303190200). The product showed visible mold/fungal growth before the expiry date despite proper freezer storage.
Please investigate this case under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and take appropriate action.
Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[City, State]
[Date]
B. Consumer Forum Complaint Draft
Subject: Complaint under Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Sale of Unsafe Food Product
I, [Your Name], purchased ITC Master Chef Classic Aloo Tikki from Flipkart. The product was spoiled before expiry, causing loss and potential health risk. I seek compensation, refund, and removal of defective batch from circulation.
Attachments: Invoice, Product Photos, Batch Details.
Brand Background: ITC Foods Limited
ITC Foods, a division of ITC Limited, is among India’s largest packaged food companies, offering frozen and ready-to-eat products under brands like Master Chef, Aashirvaad, Sunfeast, and Bingo!.
The Master Chef line focuses on frozen snacks and ready-to-cook foods, promising safety and quality — making this incident especially concerning.
Contact Information:
- Website: https://www.itcportal.com
- Customer Care Email: itc.care@itc.in
Questions and Answers
1. What should I do if a frozen food item gets spoiled before expiry?
Report it immediately to FSSAI and the brand’s customer support with photo evidence.
2. Is it safe to eat frozen food with mold or odor?
No. Such products are unsafe and can cause food poisoning or infections.
3. Who regulates packaged frozen food in India?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food quality and safety.
4. Can I get a refund for spoiled food bought online?
Yes. You can request a refund or replacement through the seller’s grievance channel.
5. Can ITC Master Chef products be trusted?
Generally yes, but this case highlights the need for stricter quality checks.
6. How can I file a complaint against Flipkart for a bad product?
Email grievance.officer@flipkart.com or use the National Consumer Helpline (1915).
7. What documents are needed to file a complaint with FSSAI?
Invoice, batch details, FSSAI license number, and product photos.
8. Can I sue for health damage caused by spoiled food?
Yes, under the Food Safety and Standards Act and Consumer Protection Act.
9. What is the penalty for selling unsafe food in India?
Up to ₹10 lakh fine and imprisonment, depending on the case severity.
10. How long does FSSAI take to act on complaints?
Usually within 15–30 working days depending on investigation complexity.
11. What if Flipkart ignores my complaint?
Escalate to the Consumer Forum or send a legal notice under the Consumer Protection Act.
12. Can FSSAI test my food sample?
Yes, FSSAI may collect and test the sample through an accredited lab.
13. Is ITC responsible if the product was stored incorrectly?
Only if it’s proven that storage was per guidelines and spoilage occurred due to poor quality or packaging.
14. Are frozen food items covered under consumer rights?
Yes. Every packaged food sold to consumers is covered under consumer protection laws.
15. What are the common causes of frozen food spoilage?
Improper packaging, temperature fluctuations, or contamination during processing.
16. How to identify a spoiled frozen product?
Look for mold, bad odor, color change, or ice crystal accumulation.
17. What action can FSSAI take against manufacturers?
Issue notices, recall products, impose fines, or cancel licenses.
18. How to ensure frozen foods remain safe?
Store at -18°C or lower, and never refreeze after partial thawing.
19. What’s the email ID to report unsafe food?
You can write to complaints@fssai.gov.in or use the official web portal.
20. How does Choice4Voice.com support consumers in food complaints?
By publishing verified cases, guiding through complaint filing, and pushing for brand accountability.
Author:
Parit Jain
Ex-President, Entrepreneurship Development Cell, SVVV
Consumer and Food Safety Advocate
