LMD penalizes retailers for inadequate labeling on face masks

Srinagar: On Monday, The department of Legal Metrology (LDM) Srinagar unit said it booked and penalized 26 drug stores and departmental stores/retailers in the current financial year 2020-21 for over-charging/ labeling norms and collected penal sum of over Rs. 50,000.
Due to Covid19- pandemic, Government of India, under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 declared Hand Sanitizers, 2 ply and 3 ply surgical masks and N-95 masks as essential commodities in the month of March 2020 for a period of 100 days in order to prevent their hoarding, black- marketing and profiteering.
It also added, the prices of Hand Sanitizers/ 2 ply and 3 ply surgical masks were notified by the Ministry of Consumer affairs GOI, however, N-95 masks were not brought under price-control as its quality parameters are differential.
The quality standard of face-masks is monitored by Drug Control organization and the labeling norms on the pre-packaged face-masks is within the mandate of the Legal Metrology Department.
Meanwhile, The Department informed consumers to buy only those pre-packaged face-masks which carry all the mandatory declarations such as MRP, Customer-Care details, Manufacturer/Packer details, month and year of manufacture etc.
The LMD said in case of inadequate labeling on the pre-packed face-masks, the department may be contacted on 0194-2490390 during office hours for appropriate legal action. Consumers are also informed to insist for cash-memo from drug stores/ retailers while buying face-masks.