3 hrs ago
Mumbai Warehouse Found Relabeling Exported Maggi, Lay’s and Kurkure Packs
Food safety officials found a warehouse changing dates on packaged food.
The warehouse was in Navi Mumbai, near Mumbai.
Workers allegedly erased old dates using chemicals.
They then used computers and a machine to print new manufacturing and expiry dates.
The products included Lay’s chips, Kurkure, Maggi noodles and Thums Up cans.
Officials said many items were already expired or nearly expired.
The entire stock was reportedly meant for export, although the destination countries were unknown.
Officials said changing the dates could send harmful food to customers and called for stronger supply-chain checks.
Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration officials raided a Navi Mumbai warehouse allegedly altering food-product manufacturing and expiry dates.
Nearly 5,000 cartons of Lay’s, Kurkure, Maggi noodles and Thums Up cans were found at the facility.
Officials said chemicals were used to erase original dates and machinery printed replacement labels with fabricated information.
The seized goods and materials were estimated at nearly $80,000, or approximately ₹7,601,184.
The products were reportedly intended for export, but officials said the destination countries were unclear and police did not allege wrongdoing by PepsiCo or Nestlé.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration, led by IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, investigated Sadhana Enterprises and its alleged relabeling operation.
- What
- Officials raided a warehouse where original manufacturing and expiry dates were allegedly erased and replaced on branded food products.
- Where
- A warehouse in an industrial zone in Navi Mumbai, approximately 25 kilometres from Mumbai’s international airport.
- When
- The facility was inspected over six days the previous week, and the findings were discussed on Tuesday.
- Why
- Authorities said the dates were altered so food products could be exported for sale, potentially defrauding customers with expired or near-expiry goods.
Key facts
- Facility operator
- Privately owned Sadhana Enterprises
- Products found
- PepsiCo’s Lay’s and Kurkure, Nestlé’s Maggi Masala Noodles, and Thums Up cans
- Quantity
- Nearly 5,000 cartons of consumer goods
- Estimated value
- Nearly $80,000, approximately ₹7,601,184
- Intended market
- Officials confirmed the entire stock was meant for export, but the destination countries were unclear
- Alleged method
- Chemicals were used to remove dates, while computer-controlled machinery printed replacement labels
- Exporters identified
- The warehouse owner reportedly told authorities the work was being done for 19 relatively obscure exporters
Quotes
Tukaram Mundhe
IAS officer leading Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration
“Everybody needs to take this seriously. Companies have to abide with compliances and ensure that branding, packaging and sale is done as per regulations.”
livemint.com
“I am absolutely shocked by the scale. It is like organised activity. It's been done systematically.”
livemint.com
Sources
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