A suspected racket involving the relabelling of expired food products and tampering with manufacturing and expiry dates has been uncovered in Navi Mumbai. A joint operation by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Navi Mumbai Police Crime Branch reportedly exposed the illegal practice at a premises in the Turbhe TTC industrial area.

Raid Conducted Between August 24 and 29

Acting on information about alleged irregularities, officials conducted raids between August 24 and 29 at the premises of Sadhna Enterprises in Turbhe TTC Industrial Area, Navi Mumbai. The operation was jointly carried out by Maharashtra FDA officials and the Navi Mumbai Police Crime Branch.

During the investigation, officials allegedly found that important information printed on packaged food products was being tampered with. According to the FDA, manufacturing dates, expiry dates and best-before or use-by dates on food packets were being altered and replaced with new dates.

In several cases, the original ingredient and nutrition labels were reportedly removed and replaced with fresh stickers. Officials also found evidence suggesting that products were being repackaged before being sent for sale.

Popular Brands Among Seized Products

The authorities seized a large quantity of packaged food and beverage products belonging to several popular brands. The seized stock reportedly included products carrying brands such as Maggi, Lay’s, Kurkure, Knorr, Hellmann’s, Thums Up and Limca, among others.

The FDA seized stock worth lakhs of rupees during the operation. The licence of Sadhna Enterprises was also suspended, while an FIR was registered in connection with the alleged violations.

Expired Products Given a New Lease of Life?

Investigators suspect that expired or shelf-life-completed food products were being made to appear fresh by altering their manufacturing and expiry dates. The alleged removal of original ingredient and nutritional information and replacement with new labels has also raised concerns over food safety and consumer health.

The authorities are now investigating the extent of the racket, the source of the products and their intended distribution network. Further action is expected based on the findings of the investigation.

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