FDA seizes Rs 52 lakh in illegal food stock
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has uncovered a racket involved in relabelling expired food products in Thane district. In raids conducted at multiple establishments in Bhiwandi town, authorities seized illegal food stock valued at over Rs 52 lakh, an official confirmed on Monday.
Details of the operation
The operation was carried out based on a tip-off about the illegal practice. FDA teams raided several godowns and shops in Bhiwandi, a major industrial and trading hub. They found large quantities of expired food items, including packaged snacks, beverages, and condiments, being repackaged with new expiry dates.
Modus operandi of the racket
According to FDA officials, the racket involved procuring expired stock from various sources, removing original labels, and applying counterfeit labels with extended expiry dates. The products were then sold to unsuspecting retailers and consumers, posing serious health risks.
Impact and legal action
The seized items include products worth more than Rs 52 lakh. An FDA official stated, "This is a serious offense under the Food Safety and Standards Act. We have registered a case and are investigating the supply chain." The authorities are also trying to trace the origin of the expired goods and identify other involved parties.
Consumers are advised to check product labels carefully and report any suspicious items to the FDA. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in food safety enforcement in the region.
