Navi Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in coordination with the Navi Mumbai Police Crime Branch, has busted an alleged racket involving the tampering of manufacturing and expiry dates on packaged food products. Items from popular brands, including Maggi and Lay’s, were seized during the operation, while the licence of a firm in Turbhe’s TTC Industrial Area was suspended.
The joint action was conducted between August 24 and 29 following information about suspected irregularities in the handling and repackaging of packaged food products.
Sadhana Enterprises licence suspended
The FDA said the operation was carried out at Sadhana Enterprises, located in the TTC Industrial Area in Turbhe. During the inspection, officials allegedly found that dates printed on food product packaging were being replaced.
The licence of the establishment was subsequently suspended by the food safety authorities.
The investigation indicated that the alleged tampering involved not only manufacturing and expiry or use-by dates but also the replacement of original product labels.
Maggi, Lay’s and other products seized
Among the products seized during the operation were potato chips and snacks such as Lay’s, Kurkure variants and Fun Flips. Maggi Masala and Maggi Atta Noodles were also among the products found during the inspection.
The seized material also included ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook food products.
According to the FDA, the products were allegedly being handled in a manner that could allow food items to remain in circulation beyond their prescribed expiry dates or shelf life.
The authorities have taken the matter seriously as expiry dates and shelf-life information are critical for consumers when determining whether packaged food is safe to purchase and consume.
Labels allegedly replaced
According to the FDA, officials found that the original labels carrying manufacturing and expiry or use-by dates were allegedly being replaced with new stickers.
The investigation also reportedly found that original labels containing information about ingredients and nutritional values were being removed and replaced. The stock was allegedly repackaged after the changes were made.
Such practices can potentially prevent consumers from identifying the actual age of a food product and obtaining accurate information about its ingredients and nutritional content.
The FDA said the suspected tampering enabled products to be sold beyond their expiry dates or prescribed shelf life.
Goods worth over Rs 75 lakh seized
The operation resulted in the seizure of 8,442 cartons linked to 10 exporter companies.
The total value of these seized products was estimated at Rs 75,21,269. In addition, officials seized unlabeled stock and expired food products valued at around Rs 30,600.
With these additional seizures included, the total value of the material taken into custody was approximately Rs 75.52 lakh.
The scale of the seizure has prompted further investigation into the source of the products, their distribution and the alleged alteration of information on their packaging.
Samples collected from other firms
During the wider inspection, FDA officials also collected samples from Unique Fragrances and Pristine Worldwide.
The action was taken after the establishments allegedly failed to produce the required FSSAI licence and purchase bills for the products under scrutiny.
The samples have been taken for further examination as part of the investigation. Authorities are expected to examine the products and relevant documentation to determine whether there were additional violations of food safety regulations.
The absence of necessary documentation can make it difficult for authorities to establish the origin and supply chain of food products, making verification an important part of the investigation.
FIR registered under food safety laws
Following the findings, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Turbhe police station.
The case has been registered under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, as well as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The police and FDA are jointly investigating the matter. The probe is expected to focus on how the alleged relabelling and repackaging operation was conducted, the companies and products involved, and whether expired products were deliberately placed back into the market.
Authorities may also examine the distribution network to determine whether the allegedly tampered products had already reached retailers or consumers.
Authorities step up food safety checks
The case highlights the importance of accurate labelling in packaged food products. Manufacturing dates, expiry or use-by dates, ingredient lists and nutritional information allow consumers to make informed decisions and are also essential for regulatory monitoring.
The seizure of thousands of cartons and suspension of the establishment’s licence represent significant action by the food safety authorities.
As the investigation continues, officials will examine the seized stock and related records to establish the full extent of the alleged violations. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the probe, the FDA said.