On May 20, in celebration of World Metrology Day, the Indian Food & Beverage Association (IFBA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCA), hosted an insightful and interactive webinar titled “Metrological Practices for Sustainably Serving Consumers.” The event focused on the critical role of accurate measurements in ensuring precise quantities and value for money in the food industry.
Keynote Address and Announcements
The webinar was inaugurated by Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. In her keynote address, Khare emphasized the importance of metrology in daily life, highlighting its role in building confidence in trade and commerce by safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring accurate quantity and quality.
Khare announced the upcoming mandatory quality control order on fake or paid reviews. She warned that sellers and platforms engaging in such practices to boost product sales would face strict action. Additionally, Khare addressed the issue of planned obsolescence in manufacturing, which results in waste generation and frequent repair costs for consumers. To combat this, the ministry is launching a “right to repair” portal, providing consumers with self-repair videos and manuals, thereby fostering a sustainable repair ecosystem.
Webinar Highlights
The webinar aimed to raise consumer awareness about the Legal Metrology Act and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, which set standards for weights, measures, and labeling requirements in India. These regulations are crucial for regulating trade and ensuring that consumers receive accurate product information.
Deepak Jolly, Chairperson of IFBA, underscored the significance of measurements in everyday life, from clothing sizes to food quantities. He highlighted the role of the Department of Legal Metrology in protecting consumers through proper labeling and measurements. Jolly expressed gratitude for the collaboration with MoCA to celebrate World Metrology Day and to promote awareness of metrological practices.
Expert Panel and Discussions
The webinar featured a panel of eminent speakers, including government representatives and industry experts. Key speakers included:
Ashutosh Agarwal, Director of Legal Metrology, who discussed the importance of accurate measurements for providing precise quantities and ensuring consumer value for money.
M K Naik, Deputy Director of Legal Metrology, Delhi, and Ashutosh Sharma, Deputy Director of Legal Metrology, Bhubaneswar, who provided insights into regulatory practices and consumer protection.
Anjal Raj, Head Legal India Sub-continent, Ferrero India, and Praful Palkar, GM – Operations, Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale, who shared industry perspectives on legal metrology and consumer rights.
Key Takeaways
The webinar, moderated by Shilpa Agrawal, Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at IFBA, provided a platform for discussing various aspects of metrological practices. Dr. Praveen Aggarwal, Executive Director of IFBA, delivered the closing remarks, reinforcing the importance of accurate measurements in consumer protection.
The event concluded with a consensus on the need for continuous consumer education and the implementation of stringent regulatory measures to ensure fairness in trade and commerce.
The collaborative effort between IFBA and MoCA on World Metrology Day highlighted the commitment to sustainable consumer practices and the pivotal role of metrology in everyday life.