A large food fraud operation is being investigated in Delhi after police have discovered a huge food fraud scam that has been unearthed in Delhi for changing expiry dates on packaged food products sold in the market and sending them back in.
The scam that is estimated to be worth Rs. 20 lakh has raised food safety issues and police are investigating who is responsible for the network that distributed the tampered goods.
The case came to light after Delhi Police received information about suspicious food items being circulated through local supply channels.
Officers conducted raids at various locations after receiving the tip-off and took a huge quantity of packaged food items that are believed to have been manipulated expiry labels in a number of sites and seized them, the report said.
Investigators also found equipment that they suspected was used to alter the packaging details printers, stickers, labels and other materials. These tools were being used to replace the original manufacturing and expiry dates so that products that were already expired or close to expiring could be sold as fresh stock.
According to the preliminary investigation, the accused allegedly acquired expired or nearly expired packaged food items, changed the printed dates and redistributed them through wholesalers and retailers. Police are trying to determine how many products entered the market and whether consumers in Delhi or nearby areas unknowingly purchased them.
The investigation is far beyond those who changed the labels themselves. That is why authorities are examining the entire supply chain to see if distributors, warehouse operators, transporters or retailers were involved with the racket. Financial records and business transactions also are being examined to trace the movement of the tampered goods and to better understand the extent of the crime.
Food safety experts warn that eating expired food is dangerous. Expired packaged food can have bacteria in it, be compromised in nutritional value or cause foodborne illnesses depending on the type of food and how it is stored. Products with altered labels also make it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about what they buy.
The seized items are to be examined thoroughly by food safety authorities. They will check the products and conduct laboratory tests if required to see if they breach the Food Safety and Standards Act and other regulations, he said.
The incident has once again motivated me to check the packaging of all food before buying.
Expiry dates should be carefully examined, tampered labels and damaged packaging should be checked and packaged food should only be purchased from a trustworthy source, it is recommended that we use. Any suspicious product should be brought to the attention of the authorities if they find it and be reported.
The Delhi Police have said that the investigation is still on and more arrests could be made as new evidence arises. All those connected to the fraud are being followed up and the people responsible will be brought to justice.
The bust is a reminder that food fraud is more than just an economic crime it’s a public health issue.
When criminals manipulate expiry dates they can sell unsafe food to people who don’t know better and damage trust in the food supply chain. Police will take heavy and swift action against anyone of them, they say.
