The discovery of expired and nearly expired food products with altered expiry dates and nutrition labels occurred during a comprehensive six-day investigation by Maharashtra food safety officials. The warehouse, situated in Navi Mumbai, was reportedly part of some illicit activities, with goods linked to major brands including PepsiCo, Nestlé, Unilever, and Coca-Cola.

Authorities seized items valued at nearly $80,000 from the site, operated by Sadhana Enterprises. The location of the warehouse, approximately 25 km from Mumbai’s international airport, revealed nearly 5,000 cartons of various consumer goods. Among these were popular snacks and products.

These included Lay’s and Kurkure chips from PepsiCo, Maggi Masala Noodles from Nestlé, and beverages such as Thums Up and Limca from Coca-Cola. Investigators noted that many of the food packets had their original expiry dates removed or altered. According to officials, the majority of these products were either expired or very close to reaching their expiry date, raising significant health concerns.

Methods of Alteration Uncovered

The methods of changing the expiry dates involved the use of a chemical solvent specifically identified by officials for erasing information from food packaging. Reportedly, an operator would input new manufacturing and expiry dates via a computer stylus. Following this, workers would use specialised machines to print the new dates directly on the items.

Officials found evidence of the original dates being scratched out or erased prior to the new information being printed. Additionally, it was noted that some products had incorrect manufacturing dates indicating that they would not expire until 2026, further illustrating the extent of the tampering.

Changes were not just about expiry dates alone. Several cartons of Maggi discovered at the warehouse contained altered nutrition labels, one of which described the noodles as a “Product of India” for export purposes. Other products, like a Kurkure pack, showed modifications that lessened the listed cereal quantity and adjusted calorie counts, apparently to meet foreign market regulations.

Products Targeted for Export Markets

The stockpile found at the warehouse was for export, although specific destination countries have not come out. Reports indicated that at least one altered label was in both English and French, suggesting preparations for markets outside India.

Tukaram Mundhe, the chief of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration, expressed his astonishment at the systematic nature of the operation and advocated for enhanced accountability within the supply chain. He emphasised the need for companies to ensure compliance with packaging and regulatory standards. The raid aligns with Maharashtra’s intensified food safety inspections.

Under Mundhe’s leadership, there has been a noticeable rise in scrutiny of restaurants and food establishments, aiming to address food safety shortcomings. Historically, food safety enforcement in India has concentrated on issues like adulteration, particularly during peak demand periods, but this case highlights a more sophisticated method of circumventing regulations for international markets.

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