Days after various state governments launched a crack down on popular Maggi noodles, and other such ready-to-eat food items, the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights on Monday raided an Amway sales outlet in Somajiguda following allegations that “baby foods and drinks which were banned by the undivided AP” were being sold there.
The complainant, M.V. Shyam Sundar, secretary, Corporate Frauds Watch Society, of Hyderabad, had complained on June 5th that “Amway India has been selling products by issuing misleading advertisements and apart from it, several cases have been pending against the products of Amway.
SCPCR alleged that Amway continued to sell products not good for children and hazardous to health, that was benned by Supreme Court in December 2010. Products such as protein powder, chewable multi-vitamin/mineral tablets, dietary supplements, kids’ toothpaste, etc, the SCPCR officials said.
This is not the first time that Amway outlet has been in news for wrong reasons. Last year, the Hyderabad police had arrested Amway India’s CEO, S Pinckney, following a consumer complaint against the direct-selling firm. In June 2006, Hyderabad police had shut down all offices of Amway citing illegal business model of the multi-level marketing firm.
“Several products banned by the SC are on display. As per SC orders, neither are these allowed to be sold nor put on display in their showroom or godown,” said Achyutha Rao, member of SCPCR.
However, Mr Sameer Bajaj, National Head Corporate Communication & CSR, Amway India denied the allegation and said “Amway is selling its products in accordance with the FSSAI only”. “We are not selling any product for which approval has been denied by FSSAI,” he added.
“We have received several complaints based on which we are planning to conduct raids on several upmarket food joints and outlets that are involved in such illegal activities. This is just the beginning,” said Rao. Rao confirmed that legal action would be taken against the company for breaking the SC order.
