Mangaluru: Food safety officials seized packaged food products from a Reliance Smart Bazaar outlet in Attavara after receiving a consumer complaint through the QR code-based grievance system introduced by the Karnataka Health and Welfare Department.
The complaint was submitted by a resident of Kodialbail, who had ordered groceries through the JioMart app from Reliance Smart Bazaar in Attavara. Among the items in the order was a packet of ID Parota, which allegedly emitted a foul odour when the customer opened the package.
Consumer spots expired food product
According to the complaint, the resident became suspicious about the quality of the product after noticing the unusual smell from the packet.
The customer then checked the manufacturing and expiry details printed on the package. The product reportedly carried a manufacturing date of June 1, 2026, while its expiry date was mentioned as June 7, 2026.
The consumer noticed that the product had already crossed its stated expiry date and raised concerns over the safety of the food item.
Instead of consuming the product, the resident immediately reported the matter through the QR code-based complaint mechanism made available by the department.
Food safety team inspects outlet
Acting on the complaint, food safety officials inspected the Reliance Smart Bazaar outlet in Attavara.
During the inspection, officials reportedly found additional packets of the same ID Parota product and seized samples for further examination.
The seized food articles have been sent to a laboratory for detailed analysis. Laboratory testing is expected to help authorities determine the condition and safety of the product and provide evidence for any further regulatory action.
The inspection follows a growing emphasis by food safety authorities on enabling consumers to report concerns about food products directly to officials.
Show cause notice issued
Following the inspection, food safety officials issued a show cause notice to the management of Reliance Smart Bazaar and sought an explanation regarding the alleged sale of the expired food product.
The management’s response and the findings of the laboratory examination will be relevant to determining further action in the matter.
Officials have stated that appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the applicable legal and food safety regulations if violations are established.
The incident highlights the importance of checking food labels before consuming packaged products, particularly details relating to manufacturing and expiry dates.
QR code helps consumer flag concern
The complaint also demonstrates how the QR code-based mechanism can help consumers bring suspected food safety violations to the attention of authorities.
Instead of having to approach an office physically, consumers can use the QR code facility to submit complaints when they notice suspicious, unsafe or potentially expired food products.
The District Health and Welfare Department has urged consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing food items and to immediately report products that appear unsafe or suspicious.
Consumers are also advised to check the packaging, expiry date, manufacturing details and overall condition of food products before accepting or consuming them.
Officials send samples for examination
The seized samples will undergo laboratory examination, which will provide authorities with further information about the product.
While the complaint concerns the alleged sale of an expired packet of ID Parota, the final findings regarding the condition of the seized products will depend on the official examination.
Food safety officials have assured that suitable action will be taken based on the investigation and applicable regulations.
The case also underlines the importance of proper stock management by retailers, particularly for perishable and short-shelf-life food products.
Retail outlets handling packaged food are expected to ensure that products offered for sale are within their stated shelf life and meet applicable safety requirements.
Consumers urged to stay alert
The District Health and Welfare Department has appealed to consumers to carefully examine packaged food before purchasing or consuming it.
Checking expiry dates can help consumers identify products that should not be consumed. Customers who notice foul odours, damaged packaging, unusual appearance or other concerns are encouraged to report them promptly.
In this case, the consumer’s decision to check the label after noticing a foul odour and subsequently use the QR code complaint system resulted in an inspection by food safety officials.
The incident has also highlighted the role consumers can play in strengthening food safety monitoring. Prompt reporting can enable authorities to inspect outlets, collect samples and take regulatory action where necessary.
As the laboratory examination and response from the outlet management are awaited, food safety officials are continuing with the process to establish the facts surrounding the alleged sale of the expired product.