The number of complaints related to food items has increased steadily in the last three years. According to government data, a total of 17,389 complaints were registered in 2022, which increased to 53,228 in 2024. That is, there was an increase of almost three times. Larger states like delhi (5412), maharashtra (6394), Uttar Pradesh (5657) and karnataka (7811) recorded the highest number of complaints in 2024. Consumer problems are also on the rise in telangana (3538) and West bengal (2924).
Arunachal Pradesh had only 6 complaints in 2022, which increased to 2268 in 2024. karnataka had 1453 complaints in 2022, which increased to 7811 in 2024. maharashtra also saw a sharp increase, with 6394 complaints registered in 2024 compared to 2249 in 2022.
Lakshadweep recorded no complaints for the first time in 2024. The number of complaints was very low in daman and diu (only 7 complaints in 2024) and Nagaland (only 2 complaints). Only 5 complaints were registered in Dadra and nagar Haveli in 2024.
Where can you register complaints related to bad food?
FSSAI has a strong system to listen to people's complaints and take action on them. People can complain to FSSAI in many ways, such as website, mobile app, helpline, X, Facebook. All these complaints go to the Food Safety Connect portal, which is part of the Online Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). Complaints can be related to adulterated food, bad food, wrong labels, false advertisements.
Apart from this, complaints are also heard on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Here you can complain in 17 languages by calling 1915, WhatsApp, SMS, email, NCH app, website and Umang app. The complaints coming on NCH are mostly related to delivery errors, quality, cleanliness, high prices and packaging.
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