'Wholewheat' biscuit had 52% maida, fined Rs 1 lakh
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has fined Pladis India Pvt. Ltd. Rs 1 lakh for misleading advertisements regarding its "Wholewheat Marie" biscuit. The authority found that the product contained only 19.5% whole wheat flour, while 52% was refined wheat flour, or maida. The term "Wholewheat" was prominently displayed on the packaging, leading consumers to believe the biscuit was predominantly whole wheat.
The CCPA rejected Pladis' argument that "Wholewheat" was a registered trademark, stating that the trademark alone does not override consumer protection laws. The authority also found that the disclaimer on the packaging was insufficient to counteract the prominent "Wholewheat" claim. Pladis was ordered to discontinue the misleading advertisement immediately and modify its packaging to remove the false claim, failing to which it will have to pay the penalty.
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