Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has busted an alleged food relabelling racket operating from a warehouse in Delhi’s Okhla Industrial Area, seizing more than 40,000 food packets suspected of carrying forged manufacturing and expiry dates during a major enforcement operation.
The raid was carried out by the Northern Regional Office (NRO) of FSSAI under the supervision of its Director at the premises of M/s Westend Corporation Pvt Ltd in Okhla Industrial Area Phase-II. The enforcement action followed a specific intelligence input alleging that the company was illegally removing original product labels and replacing them with forged information before reintroducing the products into the market.
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According to FSSAI, Central Food Safety Officers (CFSOs) conducted a comprehensive inspection of the premises and found large quantities of food and non-food products belonging to multiple brands stored at the facility. During the inspection, officials allegedly discovered several food items carrying manipulated manufacturing dates, expiry dates, batch numbers and other label details.
The inspection team also recovered stamps, chemical solvents and printing machinery allegedly used to erase existing labels and print counterfeit information on product packaging. Officials suspect the equipment was being used to alter product identities and extend the apparent shelf life of food items, posing potential risks to consumer health.
OVER 40,000 FOOD PACKS SEIZED
Acting on the findings, local police seized over 40,000 allegedly compromised food packs from the premises. A formal complaint has been registered against the food business operator for alleged fraudulent practices and criminal tampering. Further investigation is underway to determine the scale of the operation and whether the altered products had already entered the retail supply chain.
FSSAI said it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards food adulteration, misbranding and fraudulent practices that endanger public health. The regulator said strict administrative and legal action would be initiated against those responsible under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with other applicable laws.
The food safety regulator also urged consumers to report suspicious food products and counterfeit brands. Complaints can be lodged through the Food Safety Connect mobile application, the FoSCoS Grievance Redressal Portal, or by contacting FSSAI’s Northern Regional Office in New Delhi.
FSSAI said every complaint related to food safety violations would be thoroughly investigated and appropriate legal action taken to safeguard public health and ensure the integrity of the country’s food supply chain.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
