Experts navigate food laws and data privacy during an interactive session on business ethics

The School of Legal Studies at Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram recently  organised an insightful virtual session on the topic of “Business Ethics – Compliances in Food Laws, IP, Data Privacy, and Consumer Protection” . The event featured two esteemed legal professionals, Ms. Mansi Gupta and Mr. Siddharth Bhati, Legal Counsels at Nestle India Ltd., who shared their extensive knowledge and practical experiences with students and faculty members.

The session aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities that govern the food industry, a sector heavily regulated due to its direct impact on public health and consumer welfare. Ms. Gupta and Mr. Bhati focused on “key areas of legal compliance and ethical practices, outlining the importance of adhering to various laws and regulations that ensure businesses operate fairly and responsibly.”

The session began with an exploration of the regulatory framework surrounding the food industry, particularly focusing on compliance with food safety laws. Ms. Gupta emphasised the importance of adhering to standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure the safety, quality, and integrity of food products. The discussion highlighted the need for continuous monitoring, inspections, and reporting to maintain compliance, along with the ethical obligations companies have to consumers in ensuring safe and healthy products. With the growing use of digital technologies, Mr. Bhati discussed the critical role of data privacy in the food and related sectors. He outlined how companies must ensure compliance with laws such as the Personal Data Protection Bill in India and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for businesses operating internationally. The discussion emphasised the importance of securing consumer data and maintaining transparency in data collection, storage, and usage, ensuring that customer trust is upheld.

Both speakers addressed the importance of protecting consumer rights, stressing how businesses are bound by law to provide accurate information about their products. Ms. Gupta spoke about the Consumer Protection Act and explained the liabilities companies face if they engage in misleading advertising or fail to meet the expectations of product safety and quality. The session also focused on the avenues available for consumers to seek redress and how businesses must operate within ethical frameworks to avoid deceptive practices.

The protection of intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, and trade secrets, was discussed in detail. Mr. Bhati provided insights into how companies safeguard their innovations and branding through IP laws. He emphasised the role of IP rights in fostering innovation and fair competition, as well as the legal consequences of infringement. The discussion highlighted real-world examples of how companies in the food industry protect their proprietary formulas and branding while maintaining compliance with IP laws.

The session concluded with a Q&A session, where students engaged with the speakers on a range of topics, from the practical challenges in maintaining compliance to the ethical dilemmas faced by legal counsels in large corporations. Both Ms. Gupta and Mr. Bhati encouraged students to think critically about the intersection of law, ethics, and business, underscoring the importance of strong legal frameworks in upholding corporate integrity.

The session provided valuable insights into the dynamic legal landscape governing the food industry and related sectors, helping students gain a deeper understanding of the role of business ethics in ensuring legal compliance. The practical knowledge shared by the speakers will undoubtedly contribute to the students’ academic and professional growth.

This successful event showcased the commitment of the School of Legal Studies, Apeejay Stya University, to providing its students with exposure to industry-relevant knowledge and fostering an understanding of the ethical and legal considerations that shape today’s business environment.