Cadbury India fined for worms in chocolate

NEW DELHI:  Confectionery giant Cadbury's was asked to pay Rs 15,000 ($335) to a man who found worms and fungi in chocolate he gifted to a friend, a report said on Wednesday.

Cadbury India Limited was dogged by similar charges in 2003 when worms were found in many chocolates, hitting sales and prompting the company to launch a massive publicity campaign involving Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan.

"The question is why a person, who purchased a birthday gift, would file a case against a multi-national company and litigate for a small amount" unless he was genuine, a news agency said, citing the court order.

The court rejected the company's argument that the product was not stored in a cool place.

The court also directed Cadbury's to launch an awareness campaign asking consumers not to buy its products from retailers who did not have proper cooling facilities.

The complainant said that he was embarrassed when his friend unwrapped the chocolate at a party.