Mumbai Authorities Uncover Multi-Crore Racket Over Altered Expiry Dates on Lay’s, Kurkure and Maggi

The alteration of manufacturing and expiration dates on packaged food goods was revealed during a food-safety raid in Navi Mumbai. Before the goods were repacked and ready for export, these modifications were made. The confiscated goods included Lay's, Kurkure, Maggi, Knorr, Rasoi, Hellmann's, Thums Up, and Limca, among other well-known Indian food and drink brands.

In a coordinated effort, the Navi Mumbai Police Crime Branch and the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sealed all of these goods. Among the varieties found in the confiscated packages were Classic Salted, Magic Masala, Sizzling Hot, Lemon Chilli, and Spanish Tangy Tomato.

Detailed Finding of FDA’s Raid

Puffcorn Yummy Cheese, Green Chutney, Red Chilli Chataka, Naughty Tomato, Solid Masti, and Masala Munch were among the Kurkure goods discovered. Maggi Masala, Atta Noodles, Fun Flips, and a few more packaged items were also found during the operation. Curry pastes from Rasoi, Knorr Mushroom Soup, and Hellmann's mayonnaise were all part of the stock. Authorities also included branded beverages such as Limca and Thums Up.

The operation took place at Sadhana Enterprises in the Turbhe TTC Industrial Area from August 24th to the 29th, in response to tips obtained by the central crime division of the police. Some people were erasing or covering up the dates that were printed on food packages, according to the FDA. Using inkjet printers, thinners, and specifically made stickers to hide or erase the original production information was purportedly discovered by FDA officials.

Officials from the Food and Drug Administration allegedly discovered that stickers containing information on nutritional content and additives were being swapped with fresh ones. While the operation was underway, security cordons were set up around the facility by police and food safety experts. Companies from Delhi and Noida that deal in export-import are also participating, in addition to those from Mumbai.

Financial Outcome of the Raid

The purported worth of the 8,442 boxes seized during the operation was INR 75,21,269, according to the FDA. The cartons were associated with 10 exporting companies. The location also yielded an additional amount of unlabelled inventory and perishable food items, with a combined value of around INR 30,600.

The FDA reported that the total worth of the confiscated materials was around INR 75 lakh. Based on initial reports, the operation resulted in the seizure of 4,142 boxes with a combined value over INR75 lakh. The Food and Drug Administration later released a statement putting the number at 8,442 cartons linked to 10 exporting companies. According to the FDA, an investigation is currently underway after a First Information Report was filed at the Turbhe police station in accordance with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.