FOOD INSPECTOR TELLICHERRY MUNICIPALITY Vs. K V BEERANKOYA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) All these cases have been referred to the Division Bench as our learned Brother Sreedharan J. felt that some common questions of general importance are involved in these cases.

(2.) Criminal Appeal No. 316 of 1982 has been filed against the order of acquittal passed in S.T.C. 147 of 1979 on the file of the Additional Judicial First Class Magistrate, Tellicherry. On 15-3-1979 the Food Inspector of Tellicherry Municipality purchased 3 bottles of vinegar from the shop of the 2nd accused, who is a dealer in vinegar and other food stuffs. Each bottle Crl. A. No. 316 of 1982 and contained 650 m.l. of vinegar with a label thereon 'coconut vinegar'. After all the formalities were complied with, the sample was sent to the Public Analyst. After analysis it was found that the article did not conform to the standard prescribed for vinegar as given in A. 20 of Appendix B of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955. The first accused is the proprietor of "Venus Swadeshi Fruit Products", Calicut, who is alleged to be the manufacturer of the vinegar purchased by the Food Inspector.

(3.) Clause A.20 in Appendix B of the P.F.A. Rules defines vinegar as follows: