In a major crackdown on food adulteration, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has dismantled a sophisticated racket involved in the large-scale sale of expired imported food products. The operation led to the arrest of seven individuals and the seizure of goods with a market value estimated at a staggering Rs 4.3 crore.
The Modus Operandi of the Expired Food Racket
Acting on a tip-off, a team from the Crime Branch conducted raids at multiple locations across the national capital, including a godown in the Narela Industrial Area. Investigators uncovered a well-organized operation where the accused were procuring expired imported food items like chocolates, beverages, and snacks. These products, past their sell-by date, were then meticulously repackaged.
The racket involved printing and affixing counterfeit labels with new, future expiry dates. The repackaged goods were subsequently sold to unsuspecting retailers and distributors across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), posing a severe health risk to consumers. The police have recovered a significant quantity of expired stock, packaging materials, and machines used for sealing the fake packages.
Key Arrests and Seizures in the Raid
The police have arrested seven people in connection with the case. While the specific identities from the source are to be confirmed, the arrests include the alleged mastermind behind the operation and key operatives involved in procurement, repackaging, and distribution. The seized consignment includes a wide variety of imported food items that were being fraudulently marketed.
The estimated value of the seized expired food products and equipment is Rs 4.3 crore, highlighting the massive scale of this illegal trade. Authorities are now investigating the supply chain to determine how long this racket has been operational and to identify other potential players in the network.
Public Health Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This bust has raised serious concerns about public health and safety. Consuming expired food products can lead to food poisoning, severe allergic reactions, and other long-term health issues. The Delhi Police action is a crucial step in safeguarding consumers from such hazardous practices.
The investigation is ongoing, with police probing the financial trails and possible interstate connections of the racket. Consumers are advised to be vigilant and purchase food items, especially imported ones, only from reputable and authorized dealers. They should carefully check packaging seals, expiry dates, and look for any signs of tampering.
This case underscores the critical need for stricter monitoring and enforcement in the food supply chain to prevent such dangerous frauds from endangering public health.
