Mumbai: A joint operation by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Navi Mumbai Police Crime Branch has exposed an alleged racket involving the alteration of manufacturing and expiry dates on packaged food items, PTI reported.
The action was carried out between August 24 and 29 at the premises of Sadhana Enterprises in the Turbhe TTC Industrial Area. The raid followed specific intelligence received by the police about suspected illegal activities at the facility.
Branded Food Items Seized
Officials found thousands of cartons containing packaged food and beverages sold under the names of several well-known brands, including Lay’s, Kurkure, Maggi, Knorr, Rasoi, Hellmann’s, Thums Up and Limca.
The Lay’s stock seized during the operation included Classic Salted, Magic Masala, Spanish Tangy Tomato, Sizzling Hot and Lemon Chilli variants.
The authorities also recovered several Kurkure products, including Masala Munch, Red Chilli Chataka, Naughty Tomato, Solid Masti, Green Chutney, Schezwan Chutney and Puffcorn Yummy Cheese.
Other items found at the premises included Maggi Masala and Atta Noodles, Fun Flips, Knorr Mushroom Soup, Rasoi curry pastes and Hellmann’s mayonnaise. Bottles of Thums Up and Limca were also among the products taken into custody.
According to the FDA, the accused allegedly removed or modified the manufacturing and expiry dates printed on the packages. The products were then allegedly repacked and prepared for export.
Printers, Stickers Found
During the search, FDA and police officials allegedly found inkjet printers, thinners and specially prepared stickers. These materials were suspected to have been used to remove, conceal or overwrite the original manufacturing and expiry details on the packaging.
The investigation further indicated that labels carrying information about ingredients and nutritional content had allegedly been taken off and replaced with newly printed stickers before the food items were repacked.
The warehouse was secured by the authorities, and security was deployed around the premises while the inspection and seizure process continued.
The FDA said the probe had also pointed to the alleged involvement of export-import companies operating from Mumbai, Delhi and Noida.
Officials seized 8,442 cartons associated with 10 exporter companies. The consignments had a declared value of Rs 75.21 lakh, according to the agency.
In addition to the packaged goods, the search team recovered expired and unlabelled food products valued at approximately Rs 30,600.
The overall value of the seized material was estimated at nearly Rs 75 lakh. Further investigation into the alleged tampering, repackaging and export network is underway.