The monsoon season brings an increased risk of food spoilage as high humidity and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for bacteria, fungi and viruses to multiply. Whether ordering groceries online or dining at a restaurant, consumers should stay alert to signs of unsafe food and know their legal rights if they receive expired or contaminated products.

Recent incidents have highlighted the importance of food safety. In one case, a consumer in Hyderabad was awarded ₹70,000 in compensation after receiving a packaged juice bottle containing visible mould. Separately, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notices to Swiggy Instamart following complaints about expired food items and improper storage practices.

Why Food Spoils Faster During Monsoon

Food can deteriorate quickly during the rainy season due to:

• High humidity and moisture
• Poor storage conditions
• Temperature fluctuations during transportation
• Damaged or tampered packaging
• Inadequate refrigeration
• Delayed deliveries
• Poor hygiene during food preparation

Experts warn that even sealed packaged food can become unsafe if it is not stored correctly.

How to Identify Spoiled Food

Consumers should avoid eating packaged food if they notice:

• Visible mould or fungus
• Swollen packets or bottles
• Broken safety seals
• Leakage
• Unusual colour
• Sour or foul smell
• Strange taste
• Gas formation inside the package

If any of these signs are present, the product should be discarded immediately.

When Can You Claim Compensation?

Consumers may be entitled to compensation if they receive:

• Expired food products
• Contaminated food containing fungus, insects or foreign objects
• Tampered or damaged packaging
• Food that causes food poisoning or illness
• Products for which the seller refuses a refund or replacement
• Unsafe food resulting in physical, emotional or financial loss

Apart from food safety, consumers can also seek legal relief in cases of overcharging above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), defective products, misleading advertisements or poor service.

How to File a Complaint

If the seller or delivery platform fails to resolve the issue, consumers can file a complaint through the government's e-Daakhil portal for consumer disputes.

Before filing a complaint, keep the following documents ready:

• Purchase bill or invoice
• Photographs of the spoiled product
• Product packaging
• Medical reports (if illness occurred)
• Copies of communication with the seller or platform

Consumers can also report food safety violations to FSSAI through its Food Safety Connect platform or state food safety authorities.

Consumer rights experts advise acting promptly, preserving evidence and avoiding consumption of suspicious food products to protect both health and legal claims.