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MARCH 2005
THE CONSUMER’S VOICE
VALUE FOR PRICE, PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
ARE GM FOODS NECESSARY?
Vol. 34 Issue No. 3
Re. 1
ANTIALLERGICS
RX
This is the sixth part of a series gratefully reproduced (with permission)
from a book written by Dr. V.R. Shenoy and Dr. A.R. Shenoy (see Keemat,
October 2001)
DIPHENHYDRAMINE l If you plan to have any surgery,
MODERN MEDICINES – 6
CAS Registry No: [58-73-1] including dental and you are on
Diphenhydramine medication,
General Information
do not forget to tell your doctor
Diphenhydramine is used in
that you take this drug.
treating allergic reactions, coughing,
insomnia, motion sickness, and Drugs Interactions
Parkinson’s disease. Even though Diphenydramine should not be
there is a tendency to use taken with these drugs.
Diphenhydramine for treating colds, l Phenytoin.
it is not a proper medicine of choice Whether you have the following
for such a condition. In fact, it can problems/condition. l Alcohol.
worsen a cold by thickening nasal l Allergies to drugs. l Temazepam.
secretions and drying mucous
l Asthma In general, patients requiring
membranes in addition to causing barbiturates, other antiallergies,
drowsiness. l Problems with urination.
antipsychotics, anticonvulsants and
l Glaucoma. antiparkinsonians should avoid
Older people suffer the adverse
effects of diphenydramine more l Prostate gland problem. Diphenhydramine medication.
than do younger persons; hence l Liver disease. Overdose may cause
older people should take lower
l Ulcers or other stomach l Clumsiness or unsteadiness.
doses of this drug.
problems. l Dry mouth, nose, or throat.
CAUTION l Pregnant or trying to get l Flushed or red face.
Diphenhydramine is known pregnant.
l Shortness of breath.
to cause adverse effects in l Breast-feeding.
l Breathing trouble. Seizures.
older adults. Safe usage
l Hallucinations.
l Mental effects such as l Do not take Diphenhydramine
confusion, delirium, short-term while drinking alcohol. l Trouble sleeping.
memory problems, l Never take more than the l Severe drowsiness.
disorientation and impaired recommended doses of l Faintness or lightheadedness.
attention. diphenhydramine. l Sore throat and fever.
l Physical effects such as dry l Take Diphenhydramine with l Unusual bleeding or bruising.
mouth, constipation, difficulty food, water or milk to decrease
urinating (particularly for l Unusual tiredness or weakness.
the possibility of any stomach
those with enlarged prostate), irritation. Symptoms From
blurred vision, decreased Diphenhydramine Usage
sweating with increased body l Should you miss a dose take it
when you remember, but try to Requiring Doctor’s
temperature, sex dysfunction,
and worsening of glaucoma. avoid it if it is time for the next Attention
dose, never take double doses. l Thickening bronchial
Vital Information Your Doctor secretions.
l If you are on Diphenhydramine
Must Know Before Prescribing medication, avoid any activity l Change in vision.
Diphenhydramine:- that requires your alertness. (Contd. on pg 8)
2 KEEMAT March 2005
Editorial: CONTENTS
GM FOODS – A NEW FRONTIER BECKONS Diphenhydramine 2
Biotechnology has evolved sufficiently for tackling Editorial 3
humanity’s food problems. But the word genetic conjures up
Tit-Bits 4
sinister possibilities that can be the very stuff of nightmares.
Do we have it in us to grasp this opportunity and unleash a GM Foods Are They Necessary? 5
next wave of green and white revolution? For the sake of our
Cardiovascular Health
economy and for tackling our mal and undernourishment
What You must know-2 7
problems, we should not miss the bus. Every new technology
brings about in its wake its own pros and cons. While a lively Value Added Tax 10
debate is essential to put a system of safeguards i.e. checks
Buying A Refrigerator 11
and balances into place, it must not lead to scaremongering
and eventually throwing out of the baby along with the In A Lighter Vein 14
bathwater.
Food Safety 15
If, activity and positive attitude at the Governmental level
are any indicators, it would not be futile to assume that a Consumer And Governance 16
beginning has been made towards the incorporation of GM Mosquito Killer 18
technology in our food system. If implemented properly, this
technology has the potential of addressing India’s food security Membership Form 19
concerns in an ecologically sound manner for a long time to
come.
Editorial Board :
Are GM Foods necessary? This is the title of this issue’s
cover page and it also carries an article on the same. I hope Asha Idnani and Dr. A.R. Shenoy
readers find it interesting.
In February, 9, 2005 the Mumbai High Court directed the
Central Government to clarify its stand on the proposal to Editor :
have water declared as food under the PFA Act. This was Dr. A. R. Shenoy
done because an earlier notice of April 2004 on the same issue
went unanswered for nine months.
This proposal came about because of the Public Interest
Writers :
Litigation (PIL) filed by the CGSI seeking “effective machinery
to regulate, implement and monitor the Dr. V. R. Shenoy, Dr. A. R. Shenoy
contamination of both potable and bottled and Dr. Ramakanta Panda
drinking water”.
This development was also reported
in the Times of India of 11th February, Layout :
2005. If this PIL brings about the intended Gautam Kumar
results, it will be another feather in the
cap for the CGSI in its efforts to safeguard
consumer’s interests and health.
Dr. A. R. Shenoy
Views expressed in signed articles are the authors’ and not necessarily of the Society.
Articles in Keemat may be reproduced by non-profit bodies with acknowledgement of
source. Commercial publications must obtain prior permission. A copy of the publication
carrying Keemat article(s) should be sent to CGSI.
March 2005 KEEMAT 3
TIT-BITS:
ROUND-UP
AVIAN INTELLIGENCE According to Dr Tom Smulders end of it all, the lean subjects
of Newcastle University, UK- remained lean and the obese
B irdbrain is what we call a stupid
person according to the
Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate
“Comparing birds with mammals
can teach us a lot about how brains
remained obese despite their calorie
manipulation.
Dictionary. New findings indicate work.”
The evidence supported the
that birds are anything but stupid! Adapted from Forbes and NEAT theory. Researchers gave
Erich Jarvis, an assistant professor BBC world news thumbs up to the new study, saying
of neuroscience at Duke University l l l that “a major cause of the obesity
Medical Center, USA, states that - epidemic is the pattern of desk jobs,
“most vertebrates inherited the same NEAT WAY TO GET
car pools, suburban sprawl and
three major brain subdivisions from SLIM! other environmental and lifestyle
a common ancestor. These three
areas control complex behavior”.
Jarvis and his fellow scientists state
M undane bodily movements
like strolling in the park,
fidgeting in the work place, jumping
factors that discourage physical
activity.” And “despite generations
of parents’ admonitions to the
that “different vertebrate groups, to change your TV channel without contrary, people should be
such as birds, reptiles, amphibians the remote, and various other such encouraged to fidget.”
and humans, inherited those (3 minor physical activities can help
major brain subdivisions) and then burn up to 350 more calories daily; The NEAT theory was borne
independently amplified them into an amount that can add up to 10 to out by another piece of seemingly
various structural differences”. 20 pounds a year. This phenomenon mundane survey done by Dr. Wada
is called by the acronym NEAT and of Jikei University in Tokyo, Japan.
Birds are capable of exhibiting stands for “Non Exercise Activity Dr. Wada and his team found by
complex behaviour; for example, Thermogenesis”. surveying the everyday habits of
pigeons memorizing 725 different nearly 14,000 people in their mid-
visual patterns and distinguishing According to Mayo Clinic
40’s that those who managed to stay
between cubist and impressionistic researchers in USA, obese people
slim brushed their teeth after every
paintings; scrub jays changing their have a tendency to still for long
meal. The same survey also found
food-storing behavior to thwart hours show much less of this NEAT.
that obese people went without
thieves; New Caledonian crows For the study, researchers at the
brushing their teeth for as long a
fashioning tools out of leaves and Mayo Clinic recruited 10 mildly
period as a day and a half. Thus
human-made materials; and, vocal obese and 10 lean people to wear
even the NEAT potential of an
learning exhibited by parrots, special underwear, which used
activity like tooth brushing can help
hummingbirds and songbirds. To technology developed for fighter-jet
you keep slim!
cite an example, a feature in the control panels. Sensors embedded
latest BBC Wildlife Magazine in the undergarments recorded their Dr. V.R Shenoy and Dr. A.R
shows a captive African grey called postures and movements every half- Shenoy
N’kisi, having a vocabulary of 950 second, 24 hours a day, for 10 days.
l l l
words. The parrot also shows signs Their diet was also
of a sense of humour. “He invents experimented with the obese MOSQUITOES AND
his own words and phrases if he is subjects were fed 100 calories less YOUR SWEAT
confronted with novel ideas with than normal a day and the lean What is the connection between
which his existing repertoire cannot subjects were given 1000 calories mosquitoes and your sweat? The
cope – just as a human child would more than normal a day during the scent in your sweat helps a
do.” course of the research. Yet at the (Contd. on pg 9)
4 KEEMAT March 2005
GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS
COVER
STORY
ARE THEY NECESSARY?
Genetically Modified Foods
T
he acronym GM stands for
“genetically modified” which
means that the genetic
material has been altered or changed
in a manner that does not exist in
nature. Genetic modification can be
brought about by transferring
individual genes from one organism
into another by using a technology
called variously as: genetic
engineering, gene technology,
recombinant DNA technology and
modern biotechnology.
You can have genetically
modified organisms such as GM
fish, GM vegetables, GM wheat, techniques, use of fertilizers, GM Foods-Safety an issue
GM rice…etc; all of which make insecticide, herbicides etc came into One can argue about the
GM food. GM foods came about existence only in the last century. transfer of the inserted gene in the
because of a marriage of advanced Were it not for this advancement, GM food and the consequences of
genetic techniques and certain hunger would have been difficult the protein produced by the gene
longstanding needs of farmers and to conquer for the world’s growing on the consumer and the
the food industry. Thus, we have populations. environment. The dangers of course
GM crops with improved protection Yet, we have the proponents of are quite real as was found in the
against herbicides and pests such ecologically sound organic farming USA when traces of maize type
as insects and virus. who would like to see agriculture which was genetically modified and
return to its pre-20th century pristine only approved for animal feed use
For example, insect resistance appeared in maize products for
past! Safety is naturally an
can be achieved in food crops by human consumption!
overriding issue with GM foods
incorporating a toxin production
when it comes to their acceptance.
gene into their genome from Thus, many countries have now
Consumers prefer to eat traditional
Bacillus thuringiensis (BT). Such adopted strategies to reduce mixing,
foods that have been eaten for
toxin will be toxic to insects but including a clear separation of the
thousands of years and naturally
not to humans. Use of BT crops fields within which GM crops and
consider them as safe. Issues such
bring down conventional insecticide conventional crops are grown. If
as impact on human health and
usage in agriculture. care is not taken, this outcrossing
impact on the environment naturally
or the movement of genes from GM
A question of acceptance arise in relation to genetically
plants into conventional crops or
Any new innovation or modified food.
related species in the wild has the
technology takes quite a while One can imagine in jest of potential to adversely affect the
before it is accepted. Modern course, the gene transfer from the botanical biodiversity of a region.
agriculture as we see it today with GM food to the cells of the
elements of mechanized farming, consumer giving him a Hulk like The generation and propagation
dependence on modern irrigation appearance! of genetically modified fish is also
March 2005 KEEMAT 5
another area that concerns address the threats posed by LMOs or Lathyrus sativus grows rampantly
ecologists of water bodies such as to biological diversity, also taking in much of Central India but its
sea, rivers, rivulets, lakes. In the into account the risks to human potential as a food item cannot be
United States and China human health. realized due to its poisonous
growth hormone(HGR) genes have protein. If only we could succeed
been transferred to carp. This has Where do we stand? in genetically modifying the gene
resulted in these fish having 150% In India, there is The EPA Act responsible for this protein so that
growth and tolerance to low oxygen 1986 and Rules1989 of Ministry of its expression is prevented! Kesar
levels. Environment and Forests, which dal can then be consumed like any
deals with rules and procedures for other legume and can be a tool in
The flip side to this is: eating handling GMOs and hazardous addressing the protein needs of our
carp with human growth hormones organisms. Also, the Review undernourished millions.
expressed in them is ethically Committee on Genetic
questionable to quite a few people Manipulation (RCGM) under the In the year 2003 genetically
and if the fish can survive low Department of Biotechnology modified crops were cultivated in
oxygen levels in a highly polluted (DBT), Ministry of Science and 167 million acres which involved 7
ambience; would we not be at a risk Technology, monitors the safety million farmers in 18 countries.
of eating fish that look healthy but related aspects of ongoing research India grew BT cotton in around 0.1
as a matter of fact contain lot of projects involving GMOs. It brings million hectares in 2003, an amount
pollution? Experiments with carp out manuals of guidelines double that of 2002. Commercially
involving HGR have also been done specifying procedures for regulatory cultivated genetically engineered
in India. process, activities involving GMOs crops include cotton, soyabean,
in research, use and application maize, canola, tomatoes, potatoes
In the US striped bass have from environmental safety angle. and squash. The profitability of
been modified with insect genes. cultivation of GM crops varies by
These genes supposedly impart the After all, we are quite quick to year, location, crop, etc. The global
fish with greater disease resistance. lap up the advances in market in transgenic plants is
But fish that cannot get the disease biotechnology relating to medicine; estimated to grow rapidly to $6
can still act as carriers of the India is doing well in stem cell billion by the year 2005.
disease! What if such fish get research and Indian companies have
unwittingly transferred from their Indeed, GM foods represent a
invested in this field of tremendous
experimental stations into natural brave new frontier for Indian
positive implication for human
water bodies? What risk will they agriculture; a frontier which if
health. In case of GM foods, if we
pose to the natural fish populations crossed can help address the
succumb to the misdirected
on account of their genetic burgeoning needs of an ever-
approaches of a few vested interests
modification? It is very easy not to growing population. Present
we risk throwing out the baby along
remain calm in the face of such position indicates that we are
with the bathwater and this should
potential dangers; but these are not equipping ourselves to do precisely
not happen at any rate.
concerns that cannot be surmounted that.
and it would be very foolish not to GM foods: Possibilities for Dr. V.R. Shenoy and
take a balanced view of the whole India Dr. A.R. Shenoy
subject. Genetic modification opens up
innumerable opportunities to Indian
The Cartagena Protocol on scientists to produce crops that can MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
biosafety which was negotiated withstand stress from drought, (2005 – 2006)
under the auspices of the temperature, salinity, poor soils;
Convention of Biological Diversity crops that are nutritionally rich and
Ordinary Members (O.M.)
(CBD) in 1992 provides rules for also pest-resistant. are requested to renew their
safe transfer, handling and disposal membership by remitting Rs.
of Living Modified Organisms GM technology has the 180 (cash, local cheque or
(LMOs) or Genetically Modified potential to unlock India’s Legume bank draft).
Organisms (GMOs). Its aim is to potential; as we all know Kesari dal
6 KEEMAT March 2005
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
HEALTH-
FILE
WHAT YOU MUST KNOW-2
This series was possible courtesy Dr. Ramakanta Panda
What is bypass surgery?
T
his is a surgery in which a healthy blood vessel
(artery or vein) is used to form a detour (bypass)
around a blockage in a coronary (heart) artery.
The new blood vessel used is called a ‘graft’ and
therefore the procedure is correctly termed as ‘coronary
artery bypass graft’ surgery. The original blockage in
the artery remains as it is, but now there is adequate
blood supply to the heart muscle beyond the blockage.
Today coronary artery bypass is one of the most
frequently performed surgical procedures.
How is it done?
The ‘graft’ used can be either an artery or a vein.
However, these days most advanced heart centers prefer
to use ‘arterial grafts’ since they have been shown to
have a longer life. Studies performed at the Cleveland
Clinic by Dr. Floyd Loop and others have shown that
arterial grafts remain open even after 20 years of
surgery.
When surgery is done only using arteries as grafts
(also called ‘total arterial revascularisation’), the
chances of getting recurrence of angina are very slim,
and in most cases the patient does not need a second
bypass surgery.
In the past ‘venous grafts’, usually from a vein in
the leg called saphenous vein were used often, but they
were seen to have an average life of about ten years,
after which the patient needed a second bypass surgery.
The most common artery used is an artery from
your chest called the Left Internal Mammary artery
(LIMA). This artery is detached from the chest wall
and the open end attached to the coronary artery below
the blockage. The right internal mammary artery
(RIMA) can also be used.
However, in diabetic patients and those with lung
problems and obesity we usually do not use both chest
arteries as there are greater chances of infection. An
artery from the arm, known as the radial artery is also
used very commonly. Some surgeons also use the
saphenous vein.
March 2005 KEEMAT 7
In this case, one end of the vein
Category Systolic BP & Diastolic BP
is stitched onto the large artery
leaving your heart – the aorta. The
other end of the vein is attached to Normal < 120 And < 80
the coronary artery below the Pre-hypertension 120-139 Or 80-89
blockage.
Hypertension, stage I 140-159 Or 90-99
What is ‘beating heart’
surgery? Hypertension, stage II >160 Or > 100
To perform this delicate surgery
the surgeons always used a heart-
Blood pressure: Please note while reading the
lung machine. This machine table that you are considered to have
1. The force or pressure of the
allowed the heart to be ‘stopped’ the risk factor of hypertension, even
blood (pumped from the heart)
for a while to perform the grafting. if your BP is controlled with
against the walls of the arteries
However, over the past few years medications (part-3 in April)
is known as blood pressure.
some of the surgeons also perform
the surgery on a ‘beating heart’ and 2. Systolic blood pressure (top or
do not use the heart-lung machine. high number) is the pressure l l l
inside your arteries when the
In this method a device called
heart contracts and pumps
‘OCTUPUS’ is used and the surgery (Contd. from pg 2)
blood into your arteries.
is done while the heart is beating.
This method has several advantages 3. Diastolic blood pressure l Confusion.
but is technically more demanding. (bottom or low number) is the l Difficult or painful urination.
In some institutions, nowadays, pressure inside your arteries
almost all surgeries are done on the when the heart is relaxing and l Nightmares.
beating heart and have resulted in filling with blood. l Decreasing appetite.
the patients spending less time in
the ICU, less blood transfusion and 4. The medical term for high l Unusual excitement,
complications as well as a shorter blood pressure is hypertension. nervousness, restlessness, or
hospital stay. Over time, high blood pressure irritability
can damage your blood vessels
l Ringing or buzzing in ears.
Risk for heart disease and lead to serious health
Scientific studies have shown problems. l Skin rash.
that certain traits and lifestyle habits l Stomach upset or pain.
5. The common long-term
increase the risk of a heart attack.
complications of high blood l Increased sweating.
These danger signs are called “risk
pressure are; heart disease,
factors.” The progression of heart l Unusually fast heartbeat.
stroke, eye damage, kidney
disease is a long-term process in
which cholesterol and other
damage etc. l Increased sensitivity to sun
substances build up in the inner (rash, hives, skin reactions).
6. Some people get nervous during
lining of artery walls. a visit to their doctor’s office l Dizziness.
and this causes their blood
They form plaques, which block l Drowsiness.
pressure to increase. They are
the flow of blood to the heart
said to have “white coat l Thickening of mucus.
muscle. Risk factors tend to speed
hypertension.” l Dryness of mouth, nose or
the development of plaque, and by
reducing them, we can block the It is a common misconception throat.
progression of plaque formation and that your systolic BP should be your References (see book)
decrease the chances of having a age plus 100. This is FALSE. The
heart attack. There are two types latest international guidelines for Source: Everybody’s Guide to
of risk factors- those which can be blood pressure is as shown in the Using Medicines Safely
modified and those which cannot. table. Next: FEXOFENADINE
8 KEEMAT March 2005
(Contd. from pg 4) l l l The study found that negations
like ‘No saturated fat.’ ‘Less
mosquito zero in on you even from PAIN AND THE
filling.’ ‘No MSG added.’ ‘No trans
a distance as long as 100 yards! NERVOUS SYSTEM fats.’ and ‘No sugar added’ are
According to John Carlson, A scientific study funded by the many a times processed by the
Professor of molecular, cellular and Norwegian government states that consumer brain as products
developmental biology at Yale invertebrates like worms, containing all the ingredients that
University “A mosquito seems to earthworms, even crustaceans like are to be avoided. In short,
be able to smell us sort of the way lobsters, crabs, mollusks, insects, consumers tend to focus on the root
we can find a pie in a bakery way spiders, etc feel no pain. Their of the negative message rather than
down the street. I guess we smell nervous systems are very simple and the negation itself.
just as good to the mosquito as the their brains are not adequate enough
pie smells to us.” Mosquito’s “For instance, when resources
to read the signals coming from
olfactory sense is due to the 79 are restricted, a claim for a low- fat
painful stimuli like getting boiled
receptors in their antennae. Carlson dessert that asserts ‘less fattening
in water, being impaled on a hook,
and his colleague Hallem studied than ice cream’ might lead to an
etc. Worms may curl when put on
genetically modified fruit flies all evaluation that reflects a belief that
a hook but “it is only a reflex action
carrying female mosquito genes for dieters should avoid the product
and not pain and it does not
smell in place of their natural smell because only the assertion presented
compromise their well-being “- says
genes. in the message ‘fattening [as] ice
Prof Wenche Farstad one of the
cream’ is accessed, which is
By hooking up tiny electrodes researchers involved in the study.
opposite to what was intended,”
to the fruit fly antennae they studied
Dr. A.R. Shenoy note the researchers.
the olfactory response to the odours
of various components found in l l l They further state that their
human sweat and found that 4- “findings provide evidence that the
methylphenol, a substance found in
NEGATIVE MESSAGE – processing of a negation follows a
human sweat gave a strong olfactory NEGATIVE RESPONSE specific sequence such that the
response as detected by the Researchers at the University of affirmation (“difficult to use”) is
electrical signals from the electrode. Colorado, have found that using elaborated first, and then the negator
Thus, the war on mosquitoes can words like ‘not’ and ‘no’ in tag (“not”) is incorporated in
now be fought more effectively- advertising campaigns can actually judgment.”
thanks to this finding. discourage people from buying the Adapted from the Journal of
Adapted from Scien Central products. Chicago Press
FORM IV (See Rule 8)
Statement about ownership and other particulars of the periodical Keemat
1. Place of Publication: Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI)
Block J, Mahapalika Marg, Opp. Cama Hospital, Mumbai-400 001.
2. Periodicity: Monthly
3. Printer’s Name Dr. A. R. Shenoy, CGSI
4. Publisher’s Nationality Indian
5. Editor’s Address Block J, Mahapalika Marg, Opp. Cama Hospital, Mumbai-400 001.
6. Names and address of individuals
who own the periodical and partners CGSI, Mumbai-400 001.
or shareholders holding more than
one per cent of the total capital.
I, Dr. A. R. Shenoy, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Date: 01/03/2005. Sd/- Dr. A. R. Shenoy
Publisher
March 2005 KEEMAT 9
VALUE ADDED TAX :
UPDATE
ADVANTAGE CONSUMER
WHY VAT? today, we are paying more for a ECONOMIC IMPACT
product than we would have
S
ales tax in India is today VAT can make things more
levied by all the state ordinarily paid for if we were in a affordable, increase the purchasing
governments. State VAT regime. Consider the purchase power of the consumer and act as a
governments have often used sales of a TV set; A TV consists of so catalyst for booming an already
tax concessions/tax holidays as many material inputs that have to expanding economy. With a
incentives to attract industries. The be sourced from the market. Thus complete implementation of VAT
honesty of business conduct is also the manufacturer purchases the the Indian GDP can grow annually
being severely stressed by tax material inputs for say a price of at the much talkedabout rate of 8%
considerations. Multiple levies of Rs. 2000/- + 10% tax i.e. Rs.2200/ and much more.
taxes like entry tax, octroi and - He assembles the TV set and fixes Dr. V.R. Shenoy
turnover tax have abnormally the price at Rs.4200/- + 10% tax i.e
increased the prices of goods and Rs. 4620/-. Thus, this TV will be THE GREAT INDIAN
materials. Then there is also the available at a price of Rs. 4620/- to SUDAN
problem of a large number of tax you and me. RED I TRICK
slabs. Some states have as many as
20 slabs.
Now, if VAT regime was in
place, this would have happened: H yderabad: Ten per cent of the
total adulterated chilli powder
samples in the state test positive for
Over the years many The TV manufacturer purchases the
TV set components for Rs.2200/-, Sudan, the carcinogenic colouring
committees have studied the
does a value addition of Rs. 2000/ agent mixed in chilli powder.
problems of our system and
- to fix the price of the set at 4200/ However, while the red chilli
suggested remedies. One of the
-. Now since VAT is in place, the exported from India has come under
most often suggested was the
10% taxation will not be on the the scanner in the UK, rampant use
introduction of a Value Added Tax
entire cost of the TV set, but on the of Sudan has not sent the authorities
(VAT) system in the sales tax area.
value addition of Rs. 2000/- done here to withdraw stocks from the
As a system, VAT has found
to manufacture the TV set. market.
acceptance in many countries
around the world. Thus the break-up of the price While Institute of Preventive
With harmonization of the state at which the TV set will now be Medicine (IPM) tests samples from
tax laws(some states have initiated available is:- Rs.2200/- (TV rural areas, municipalities have food
this process, it is hoped that others components) + Rs.2000/- inspectors to check adulteration. In
too will follow!) and reforms in (assembling skills, other costs; in January this year, food authorities in
central sales tax, which the Central short, VALUE ADDITION) + Warangal collected chilli powder
Government plans to abolish Rs.200/- (10% VAT on VALUE samples and found that one brand of
altogether by 2006 (we hope they ADDITION) =Rs.4400/-. Thus the chilli powder contained Sudan.
do!) A stage will arrive one day TV set costs Rs.220/- less in a VAT Further investigations revealed that
when VAT i.e. Value Added Tax regime! This was just an inexact one manufacturer from Guntur was
will be introduced uniformly all hypothetical example. But, imagine distributing the chilli powder in all
over India. This is a pleasant products which involve multiple districts in the state. In short, use of
consequence of globalization which value-additions in their manufacture carcinogenic colours has always been
the consumer stands to benefit from. and you get the picture! Clearly, in rampant but authorities did nothing.
Let us see how. a VAT regime, the consumer stands adapted from TOI Hyderabad;
to make significant savings. Date:2005 Feb 23
THE VAT ADVANTAGE
In a non-VAT situation, i.e. VAT: POSITIVE
10 KEEMAT March 2005
BUYING A REFRIGERATOR
GUIDE
R
efrigerators are no longer a appliances that you will buy for capacity.
device of luxury as was the your home! When buying this
A refrigerator model with a top
case formerly. Today, a appliance, also consider its
freezer consumes10-25% less
wide range of refrigerators is operating costs since a refrigerator
energy than a side-by-side model.
available in the market to can typically consume up to 20%
accommodate everybody’s budget. of the electricity you use every MRTP AND THE NET
A refrigerator is a convenience that month.
most of us cannot do without, and
CAPACITY OF
Thus, a good decision made in REFRIGERATORS
indeed, no household, especially in
this connection can save a few
the cities is complete without the The Monopolies &
Rupees every month for years. Here
possession of this appliance. Restrictive Trade Practices
are some worthwhile tips regarding
In addition to fulfilling our energy and volume considerations (MRTP) Commission has
needs of ice, ice-cold water and for the consumer to follow when directed that within six
beverages, the refrigerator preserves buying a refrigerator: weeks, these firms will have
vegetables, milks, eggs, fish, meat, to specify gross and net
and leftover food, all for later use. Ø Most refrigerator models in
India are sold on the basis of gross capacities of their fridges.
The use of refrigerator economizes They will need to be
our food consumption by prevention Capacity. The consumer should be
of spoilage and preserving the concerned with the net capacity i.e. mentioned clearly in
nutritive value of the refrigerated the actual usable capacity of the advertisements as well as
food refrigerator. Reduce 8% to 10% brochures.
from the Gross Capacity to come
PLANNING TO BUY A to the actual capacity of the
MRTP’s ruling was on a case
REFRIGERATOR refrigerator. As regards, volume where capacities of frost-free
So now that you have arrived requirements, for a family of 2 fridges had been overstated
at a decision to buy a refrigerator persons a capacity of 200 litres by as much as 20-25%. LG,
you might as well decide when to would be sufficient. For every Whirlpool and Godrej have
buy it? The question assumes additional member add 20 litres. been involved in a spat on
greater significance especially if The capacity requirement also the issue. Godrej and
your purchase is for replacing your depends on your food habits and Whirlpool had approached
old unit. In such a case, the best food shopping habits. A
the Monopolies &
time to buy is when your old one is nonvegetarian family would require
still working. more refrigerator capacity as
Restrictive Trade Practices
opposed to a vegetarian one. And on the same. The debate over
And, if you are buying a capacity declaration of
if you shop for the entire week/
refrigerator for the very first time
fortnight at a time you will naturally refrigerators had been on for
for your household, consider your
requirements discuss them with
require a higher capacity about two years. Ultimately,
refrigerator. it was the consumer who
your local consumer appliance
retailer, and arrive at the best buy Ø Buy an appropriately sized ended up losing. At long last,
that suits your needs as well as refrigerator. Generally, the larger the this new directive will reduce
budget. Never feel shy to ask the refrigerator or freezer model, the scope for confusion and thus
shopkeeper for the best price that greater the energy consumption. The benefit consumers
he can offer; after all a refrigerator most energy-efficient refrigerator adapted from TOI
is one of the most expensive models are typically of 600 litres
March 2005 KEEMAT 11
Ø Do not purchase models
containing an ice maker and
dispenser. Such models in addition
to being costly increase the level of
energy consumption by 14-20%.
Ø Defrosting eliminates the
build-up of ice (frost) in the
refrigerator and freezer. Too much Energy Star, USA
ice formation reduces the storage
space available in a refrigerator and
reduces its cooling efficiency (Don’t
allow frost to build up more than
one-quarter of an inch).
All refrigerators need
defrosting. Automatic mechanisms
defrost the fresh-food compartment
automatically, but the freezer still
has to be defrosted manually. In
cyclical defrosting, the defrosting European Union
function is activated every 8 hours
by a timer. The defrosting cycle
lasts 20 minutes and the melted Ø Your refrigerator should
water evaporates automatically. In have adjustable shelves; good
semi-automatic type refrigerators, number of these shelves and boxes
defrosting is done by manually so that you can keep all your food
USA
pushing a button to begin the defrost in an organized, easy-to-access
cycle and once the button is pushed, manner. Good moisture and
the defrosting is done automatically. humidity controls help to retain the
freshness of food items such as
A frost-free freezer has three fruits and vegetables.
basic parts: A timer, a heating coil
and a temperature sensor. Every Ø Quite a few models are
six hours or so, the timer turns on equipped with reversible door
the heating coil. The heating coil is swings; such a feature can allow
wrapped among the freezer coils. you to swing open the door from
The heater melts the ice off the left to right or right to left. This
coils. When all of the ice is gone, can be of advantage to consumers
the temperature sensor senses the who have to shift their refrigerator
temperature rising above 0oC and to various positions in their house
turns off the heater. Heating the or are uncertain about its placement.
coils every six hours takes energy, Ø Most of the models
and it also cycles the food in the available today have no coils at the
freezer through temperature back but at the bottom. They have
changes. Manual defrost models use a clean flat back that protects the
Australia
half the energy of automatic defrost compressor. This is desirable as
models but must be defrosted there is no need to clean the dust
defrost model; but do not forget to
periodically to realize energy encrusted condenser coils as was the
defrost the refrigerator periodically
savings. case earlier.
as frost buildup increases the
So if you are fanatic about amount of energy needed to keep Ø In many homes you find
saving energy go in for a manual the motor running. refrigerators with two doors, one for
12 KEEMAT March 2005
like propane are used as refrigerants in refrigerators
today. As an environmentally conscious consumer,
if you have to choose a refrigerator, choose one
with hydrocarbons such as propane as the
refrigerant. This is so because there are still many
refrigerators available in the Indian market with
CFCs as well as HFCs as refrigerants.
In this article we talked about energy efficiency
of refrigerators; in the United States there is the
yellow EnergyGuide label. An American consumer
can compare the operating costs of different
refrigerator models using the yellow EnergyGuide
labels and decide upon the most energy efficient
refrigerator. Such labelling reflective of energy
efficiency standards exists in many countries across
the world. Specimens of such labels are given in
this article.
Labelling of consumer appliances like lamps,
washing machines, air-conditioners and
the freezer and other for the cold section. Indian refrigerators for indicating their energy efficiency
refrigerators at this point in time have three doors, but may
is a progressive and consumer friendly step; a
have up to 5 doors in future! More doors allow less cold
step yet to be implemented in our country; the
air to escape when one opens the refrigerator. This is a implementation has been planned.
desirable feature and helps conserve power.
The “India Energy Efficiency Standards and
As a user, the consumer can extend the useful life of his Labeling Program Status” was presented in the
refrigerator by following such tips as:- “International Workshop on Standards and
Ø Arrange shelving and food items so air circulates. Labelling” in Bangalore on October 13 -14, 2004.
According to this presentation, the Indian energy
Ø Don’t “overload” or “underload” the freezer. efficiency labels for consumer appliances to be
Ø Set the controls as recommended in the use and care sold in India in the very near future would be as
book. follows. (see top left).
Ø Properly seal liquids and high-moisture foods stored. We hope that Indian consumers like all
international consumers will get to enjoy the
Ø Open the refrigerator and freezer doors as few times as assurance provided by the power savings guide
possible. labelling when they buy any consumer appliance.
Ø Check and maintain the door gaskets. Door seals keep CONSUMER FRIENDLY FEATURES
warm, moist air out. In addition to making the refrigerators energy
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS ABOUT efficient, one can think of a host of useful consumer
REFRIGERANTS friendly features that can be introduced into the
refrigerators; these are:-
Chlorofluorocarbons lost favour as refrigerants due to
their contribution to the greenhouse effect and adverse Ø Temperature indicators with digital
impact on the ozone layer. The Montreal protocol in 1987, readouts for the freezer and other sections of the
revised in 1992 during the Copenhagen Intergovernmental refrigerator. Such readouts will validate the
Conference started the whole process for the phasing out manufacturer ’s claims about the working
of CFCs in a stepwise manner. Even HCFC temperatures of the refrigerator and enhance his
(hydrochlorofluorocarbons)and HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) reputation.
exhibit the deleterious effects on the environment like CFCs
and their days as refrigerants are on the wane. Hydrocarbons (Contd. on pg 18)
March 2005 KEEMAT 13
IN A LIGHTER VEIN
RINGSIDE
What is the difference between l l l A billboard lovely as a tree.
unethical and ethical advertising? U.S. consumers and industry Perhaps, unless the billboards fall,
Unethical advertising uses dispose of enough aluminum to I’ll never see a tree at all.
falsehoods to deceive the public; rebuild the commercial air fleet – Ogden Nash, “Song of the
ethical advertising uses truth to every three months; enough iron Open Road,”
deceive the public. and steel to continuously supply all
– Vilhjalmur Stefansson, 1964 automakers; enough glass to fill l l l
l l l New York’s World Trade Center Be glad that you’re greedy; the
every two weeks. national economy would collapse if
When a man throws an empty you weren’t.
cigarette package from an – Environmental Defense Fund
automobile, he is liable to a fine of advertisement, Christian Science – Mignon McLaughlin, The
$50. When a man throws a Monitor, 1990 Second Neurotic’s Notebook, 1966
billboard across a view, he is richly l l l l l l
rewarded.
Growth for the sake of growth The only reason a great many
– Pat Brown, quoted in David is the ideology of the cancer cell. American families don’t own an
Ogilvy, Ogilvy on Advertising, 1985 elephant is that they have never
– Edward Abbey
l l l been offered an elephant for a dollar
l l l down and easy weekly payments.
Advertising may be described
as the science of arresting the Living in an age of – Mad Magazine
human intelligence long enough to advertisement, we are perpetually
get money from it. disillusioned.
– J.B. Priestley
WORLD CONSUMER
– Stephen Butler Leacock,
RIGHTS DAY
quoted in Michael Jackman, l l l
Crown’s Book of Political 15th March 2005
Never write an advertisement
Quotations, 1982 CGSI has organised a
which you wouldn’t want your
l l l family to read. You wouldn’t tell seminar on “Intellectual
Advertising is an environmental lies to your own wife. Don’t tell Property Rights and
striptease for a world of abundance. them to mine. Consumer”.
– Marshall McLuhan, – David Ogilvy Speaker: Mr. Sanjay Kher
introduction to Wilson Bryan Key, l l l IPR expert & Vice President,
Subliminal Seduction: Ad Media’s CGSI
Manipulation of a Not So Innocent It is difficult to produce a
America, 1974 television documentary that is both Venue: Mumbai Marathi
incisive and probing when every Patrakar Sangh Hall, near
l l l twelve minutes one is interrupted CGSI office.
Let advertisers spend the same by twelve dancing rabbits singing
amount of money improving their about toilet paper. Time: 2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
product that they do on advertising All are cordially invited.
– R. Serling
and they wouldn’t have to advertise
it. l l l Dr. A.R. Shenoy
– Will Rogers I think that I shall never see Chairman
14 KEEMAT March 2005
THE FOOD SAFETY AND
MENU
STANDARDS BILL 2005 -
SHORTCOMINGS
P
retty soon we will have a new removing the penalty of
Food Safety and Standards imprisonment even in the case of
Act, the precursor of this Act death caused by the consumption
in the form of a bill has been of food injurious to health. A
circulated. The purpose of compensation of Rs 500,000 in case
circulation is to invite suggestions of death places a ridiculously cheap
and comments from all the value for human life. Is a citizen
stakeholders concerned. We at the of India worth only a few lakhs of
CGSI were also asked for our rupees? There must be a mandatory
comments. After a proper review punishment by way of
we found that the bill had various imprisonment under the Indian
deficiencies. For the purpose of Penal Code for causing grievous
enlightening the consumers we covered to protect the consumer hurt, permanent disability or death
present here these shortcomings. from adverse impact on the “value (culpable homicide). The death
for price” penalty was even contemplated for
SHORTCOMINGS(clausewise) causing harm to a patient by
Ø Definitions 3a and b Ø 5. Composition of Food spurious drugs, endorsed by an
“adulterant” and adulterated” are authority: the following is extracted expert committee. A liberalized
defined but not the act of from the recent report of a economy should not be liberal in
“adulteration”. Adulteration is the government of India Inquiry criminal jurisprudence.
deliberate act of adding a substance committee: “Standards formulation
to an article of food which renders Ø 108 Schedule-I Part A : -
is a voluntary activity and BIS does
the food injurious to health. It We strongly disagree with the
not pay anything, even in terms of
should also extend to the addition proposal to repeal the infant milk
TA/DA, for participation in
of an inferior substance to a food substitutes, feeding bottles and
meetings of the concerned technical
or abstraction of a constituent or infant foods (Regulation of
committee. As a result, scientific
key ingredient (in whole part) from Protection, supply and distribution
and consumer organizations are not
a food which lowers the quality of Act, 1992 (41 of 1992), without
able to participate in the committee
the food. adequate provision to protect the
meetings. There is an urgent need
consumer from misleading
to take remedial measures to get
Ø The draft definition of promotional messages in the
over this problem”. Representation
adulteration is restricted to health amended law. The IMS Act is
of consumer organizations is
risk{(s(b)] and not to “economic” intended to encourage
possible only if their travel and stay
risk to which the consumer is put, breastfeeding, the benefits of which
to attend meetings are fully
e.g. water in milk, or a cheaper have been proven conclusively.
supported statutorily and not by
edible oil in another costly edible SHORTCOMINGS WITH
favour of the sanctioning/competent
oil. This lacuna is attempted to be
covered by the term
authority; otherwise, the FAR-REACHING
representation will be exclusive to CONSEQUENCES
“misbranded”[3(zf)]. We aver that
a separate definition of spurious
local organizations based in the Ø The food safety and
national capital where meetings are standards bill 2005 repeals nine acts
food should be inserted to
normally held. and will modify or repeal 8 more
encompass lowering of quality
standard of a food article to defraud Ø Chapter VIII-Offences and acts. The Act when it comes about
the consumer. In the definition of Penalties: The draft is too generous will cover food manufacture, sale
risk [s(zq)], economic risk must be to unscrupulous adulterators by and safety all under one roof which
(Contd. on pg 18)
March 2005 KEEMAT 15
KNOW-HOW
THE CONSUMER AND GOVERNANCE
INDIA’S HOUR economy. This becomes clear when FUTURE?
we witness that, wherever law and
A
considerable amount of Bihar is a microcosm of what
optimism has been order are in proper shape like for can go wrong with India tomorrow
generated since the example the developed world, if we do not pay proper attention to
beginning of the new millennium consumerism flourishes. the process of democracy in order
about India’s impending arrival in The 17th World Congress of the to weed out undesirable elements
the comity of nations. Indian Consumers International held in from elections.
industries both in the service sector Lisbon, Portugal, from 13-17
such as IT and manufacturing sector Political cynicism has ensured
October 2003 mentioned in its that this once great cradle of India’s
like for example, auto are doing statement that –“Corrupt practices
well, Indian pharma majors have civilization has a poor present and
and poor standards of governance not too great a future. Today, Bihar
worked out strategies for survival severely reduce the welfare of all
and profitability in the era of Trade is not only suffering from a
consumers and compromise the complete lack of law and order but
Related Aspects of Intellectual attainment of their rights.
Property Rights (TRIPS). is in a stage of terminal crisis. A
Governments must commit concoction of armed gangs like the
A slew of articles appearing in themselves to effective measures Ranvir sena, Leftist extremist
newspapers more particularly the (such as enhanced transparency) to groups like the Maoists, various
Times of India along the lines of – eradicate corruption and strengthen goons and their armies are running
“India would be an eastern and governance. The consumer rampant blowing up police stations,
possibly world super power by 2050 movement must form alliances with railway stations and in some
after China”; reinforces such national and international instances even collecting taxes and
grounds of optimism about the organisations of civil society running a parallel government!
belief in the emergence of India as dedicated to the control of corrupt
a great power with an empowered practices and improvements in There are rumours afloat that
consumer society to match. governance.” the state government has a vested
interest in the continuance of
LAW AND ORDER-AN India is a big country, with a
anarchy! What can be said about a
ESSENTIAL population to match its geography
chief minister who in the name of
PREREQUISITE FOR THE and has law and order problems that
celebrating his daughter’s wedding
have the potential to sour our
GROWTH OF encourages his cohorts to lift over
dreams of attaining economic
CONSUMERISM 40 brand new cars from several
pinnacle. Faced with insurgencies
Consumerism need not have dealers’ showrooms, about 100 sofa
in the north-east, Maoist troubles
derogatory overtones; there is no sets and other furniture from a
in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand,
need to run it down. Every person dozen shops, 20 designer suits and
Orissa, Andhra Pradesh,
irrespective of his economic class clothes worth Rs 7 lakh from
Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, and now
is a consumer. Humanity has Raymond exclusive showrooms,
portions of Karnataka like
evolved into a society where- in a about 50 kgs of dry fruits and other
Chikmagalur our internal security
very mundane sort of way, we live grocery, confectionery stocks worth
position is not exactly happy. The
because we consume. Healthy several thousands of rupees. The
law and order situation in Border
consumerism will boost the CM’s daughter’s wedding is at the
States of Bihar and UP continues
economy and raise the living cost of forced contributions from
to be a source of worry.
standards of the people. Sound Law the citizens of the state! This chief
and Governance are prerequisites BIHAR-IS IT A minister is today busy thumbing his
for the growth of consumerism and MICROCOSM OF INDIA’S nose at the election commissioner.
16 KEEMAT March 2005
This is the specimen of a chief surrounded by neighbours who are in West Bengal liquidated them
minister that has been kept ruling discontented and in most parts resulting in a spill out of the
the state – thanks to the harbour ill will towards her naxalite movement into other States
misadventure of coalition and caste existence. As a state, Bihar is still of our Country.
based politics. People refer to Bihar big inspite of Jharkhand separating
The Central Government must
as a failed state where only the from it. Additionally, it borders
act decisively in the elimination of
helpless live. Bihar has become Nepal which has become a hotbed
this problem which has the potential
synonymous with kidnappings, of intrigues and Maoist
to ravage the country in the future.
extortion and murder. Bihar needs insurgencies. With a succession of
A lot has been said about the
a towering figure to bring it out of inept chief-ministers Bihar, with its
superpower ambitions of our
the morass that it is in today. But vulnerability of being a terribly
country. But, for that we must base
is there any such strong individual governed state can decompose into
our decisions on realpolitik and not
on the state’s political scene today? being a hideout for Maoist
on moral or ethical issues. King
The answer is unfortunately in the insurgents and other enemies of the
Gyanendra’s takeover of reigns in
negative. state. Already intelligence agencies
Nepal has sparked such a debate
A majority of the candidates have pointed out the existence of
internationally that we are being
cutting across various party and linkages between the Maoists of
squeamish about our military help
caste lines, standing for the state’s Nepal and their cousins in Andhra
to Nepal in solving their Maoist
elections today are history sheeters. Pradesh!
insurgency. India has to act in her
This then is the future of Bihar’s If true, this has serious security own interests to weed out such
polity. Everbody wants to leave implications for a vast corridor of socially disruptive political
Bihar. The local professionals and land encompassing the states of movements.
entrepreneurs want to establish their Bihar, Orissa, Jharkhand,
business outside the state. Poor Mere platitudinous responses
Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and
people have to labour in other states will bring the movement in great
Maharashtra. Leftist extremist
as there is not even a semblance of force into Bihar. This can only add
ideologies have promised much but
employment to be found within the to our internal security woes and
have exploited local discontent to
state! Truly, consumerism in Bihar take the focus away from our efforts
deliver only violence, terror, and
is really a question of survival. in attaining economic progress and
anarchy in their wake. Remember
BIHAR-WHAT IT a fair consumerist society.
the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia or
PORTENDS FOR INDIA? for that matter the Naxalites in West Dr. V.R. Shenoy and
Geopolitically, India is Bengal? The moderate communists Dr. A.R. Shenoy
WATER CONSERVATION Less than 2% of the world’s Shower: Rinse, turn off the tap,
TIPS FROM A FIVE water is fresh water. Acute water soap, rinse again and save water to
STAR HOTEL shortage has become a recurring the extent of 50-70 litres.
problem in many parts of India and Leak: Please report immediately
R ecently during my visit to Delhi
on official purpose, I stayed at
a well known five star hotel and
the rest of the world. Conservation
is the greatest resource when it
and you can save water to the extent
of 400-3000 litres per day.
was pleasantly surprised by their comes to water supply. Every time a towel is laundered,
efforts at disseminating information Brushing teeth: Turn the tap off precious resources such as energy
on water conservation through the while brushing and you can save and water are consumed, and
medium of a placard placed water to the extent of 5-10 litres. polluting detergents are used. So,
strategically in the bathroom. The Washing hands and face: use if you want used towels to be
appeal to conserve water also had washcloth and turn off the tap and replaced, please drop them into the
water conservation tips and read as you can save water to the extent of tub and we will provide you with
follows: 8-15 litres. fresh towels. If you wish to reuse
Shaving: Fill mug and turn off your towel, please hang it on the
Please share our concern for rack to dry.
the tap and save water to the extent
the environment:
of 10-15 litres. Dr. A.R. Shenoy
March 2005 KEEMAT 17
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: KILLER
N
ISSUE
MOSQUITOES OR KILLER
MOSQUITO REPELLENTS?
This article adapted from Toxics Link and NIEHS
L
ighting up one mosquito coil in rooms where ventilation is often that long-term exposure to mosquito
could mean smoking over 100 limited to increase the coils’ coil smoke may induce asthma and
cigarettes! effectiveness. persistent wheezing in children.
Coils typically contain 0.3-0.4% The researchers burned the test Since the coils are made to have
pyrethrin insecticides by weight, coils in a 0.15-cubic-meter chamber very inefficient combustion, large
with the balance being combustible and a 32-cubic-meter room, and amounts of products of incomplete
materials chosen for their ability to periodically withdrew air samples combustion are released from
smolder without flame. Although for analysis of concentrations of burning coils.
the plant-derived pyrethrins are particulate matter, polycyclic A comparison of the pollutant
relatively nontoxic to humans, the aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, concentrations from the coils with
health effects of burning the and volatile organic compounds. those resulting from biomass fuel
binders, fillers, and dyes composing Long term exposure to the combustion reveals that people
the other 99%-plus of the coils are compounds - even at trace levels - exposed to smoke from mosquito
uncertain, especially considering the could increase cancer risk. The coils (even for a few years) are in
intensive, long-term exposure: coils study was conducted for six brands greater danger of contracting
are typically burned all night for of mosquito coils commonly used respiratory infections than those
several months or even all year in China and Malaysia. exposed to biomass smoke for an
(depending on mosquito conditions) Epidemiological studies reveal entire lifetime.
(Contd. from pg 15) language labelling of imported (Contd. from pg 13)
foods. The draft is also silent about
can be quite problematic, and will the food additives in these imported Ø Door open alarm-many a
lead to more corruption. foods: - some of the additives may times we forget to shut the
Ø There is no distinction not be approved for use in India! refrigerator door properly leaving
made between small and street food it slightly open! This can only
Ø This draft favours Junk
providers and food manufactured by stress the compressor of the
Food Manufacturers. This can have
organized companies in this act, refrigerator and increase electricity
an adverse impact on our national
thus, making life difficult for bills by a measure which depends
health by contributing to increased
millions of Indians working in upon when you rectify your
obesity.
offices as well as self-employed by mistake. Such a problem can be
Ø The draft talks of setting up solved by an alarm system that
denying them access to cheap/
of National Food Safety and beeps to inform the consumer that
affordable and wholesome food for
Standards Authority which is good; the refrigerator door is open and/or
their daily food needs. This clearly
but the representation for consumer not properly shut.
shows a bias in favour of the
NGOs in this set-up is not adequate.
organized food manufacturing Ø You can also have indicators
Clearly a thorough debate is
sector/MNCs. which tell you when the compressor
necessary before this draft becomes
Ø This draft is also silent on an Act. goes on and when it goes off.
the labelling of GMO(Genetically
Based on the comments of Mr. The introduction of such
Modified Foods); labelling
N.G.Wagle, President, CGSI and features can easily be achieved at a
indicating the GM nature of the
Dr. A. R. Shenoy, Chairman, CGSI small fraction of the total price of
food is not mandatory according to
submitted to the Ministry of Food the refrigerator.
this would-be Act.
Processing in connection with
Ø Also absent in this draft is “The Food Safety and Standards Dr. V.R. Shenoy and
the requirement of mandatory local Bill 2005” Dr. A.R. Shenoy
18 KEEMAT March 2005
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March 2005 KEEMAT 19
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CONSUMER GUIDANCE SOCIETY OF INDIA
RELIVE THE DAYS WHEN PEOPLE REFUSED TO
ACCEPT THE UNACCEPTABLE
1930. The SALT SATYAGRAHA. The decision by the British to levy tax on salt was a grave injustice to
Indians. Gandhiji with his followers marched from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, to protest against this. Not long
ago our ancestors fought for the right to wear the clothes they wanted. Protested against taxing a basic necessity
like salt, successfully agitated against the cutting down of trees. A lesson to be learnt: -Nothing can be forced
on anybody, if persisted with; retaliation is bound to
take place. It is the same philosophy which made great
men like Mahatma Gandhi and Lokmanya Tilak lead
the freedom movement in India and inspired
Mr.Bahuguna to start an environmental protection
movement in this country.
Interestingly, it was also the same philosophy which
drove the likes of Ralph Nader to single handedly lead
the consumer movement in the United America.
Millions of American consumers joined in. No more
would they accept sub-standard products and services.
The movement developed into a full scale revolution.
So much was its impact that the mighty American
automobile industry was forced to improve its vehicle
design as a means to traffic safety. They moved the
White House into passing numerous acts and
amendments to prevent manufacturers from producing
under par consumer goods. Ironically it was this
uncompromising stance of the American consumer
which, experts believe, strengthened the foundations of
the largest consumer economy. The question is ‘Isn’t
the right to satisfaction as important as the right to
choose’? Unfortunately, while we Indians enjoy the
latter, we don’t do anything about the former. Is it
lethargy or the sheer indifferent attitude towards one’s
own right as a consumer? CGSI is a forum which makes
people aware of their basic rights as a consumer. It is
the first consumer organisation in India which for the
The photograph above represents an last 39 years has been educating consumers on their
epoch-making moment from our freedom rights and helping them settle their grievances. To
spread awareness, CGSI conducts talks, demonstrations
struggle – The Salt satyagraha, 1930.
and exhibitions regularly. A monthly magazine called
Incidentally, this is the 75th anniversary ‘Keemat’, distributed free, serves as the mouthpiece of
of this historic event. the Society and is a vital link amongst its members.
For only Rupees 1800 you can become a life member. Kindly make use of the Life membership form
on page 19 and be a part of the consumer revolution in India.
Printed & Published by Dr. A. R. Shenoy for Consumer Guidance Society of India, Block J, Mahapalika Marg, Mumbai - 1.
Tel: 2262 1612 Fax: 2265 9715 Printed at Chintanakshar Graphics, Mumbai. Tel : 2411 4932.
E-mail: cgsibom@bom4.vsnl.net.in l Website: www.cgsiindia.org Designed in the CGSI Office
Editor Dr. A. R. Shenoy
