In a significant operation, the Delhi Police recently dismantled a network involved in the repackaging and distribution of expired food and beverage products. This revelation has raised concerns about food safety in the region.
Details of the Operation
Delhi Police have arrested three individuals in Dwarka for repackaging and selling expired food products, discovering a substantial cache of items from well-known multinational brands with altered manufacturing and expiry dates, officials confirmed on Friday.
The suspects—Kamal Mudgil (56), Shivam Singh (27), and Lokesh Kumar (35)—were taken into custody after a raid conducted by the Crime Branch.
Authorities seized a total of 3,096 cans of soft drinks from various brands, along with a considerable number of biscuits that had been rebranded with counterfeit packaging.
According to police reports, a tip-off received on March 29 indicated that an illegal operation was functioning in Bamnoli village, where expired products were being modified and then reintroduced into the market.
Based on this information, law enforcement carried out a raid at a warehouse located in Sector 28, Dwarka. Both Shivam Singh and Lokesh Kumar were apprehended on-site, while Kamal Mudgil, identified as the owner, was arrested shortly after.
Officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) were summoned to inspect the location, check the licenses, and take samples for verification. The inspection revealed that numerous products featured forged batch numbers and altered expiry dates, leading to their confiscation.
Additionally, police recovered a printing machine utilized for creating counterfeit manufacturing and expiry labels, along with chemicals employed to erase original date markings.
During interrogation, the suspects purportedly admitted to acquiring expired or near-expiry items, erasing original details using chemicals, and printing new dates before repackaging and distributing the products in the market.
A case has been filed, and a further investigation is currently in progress, according to officials.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi Police arrested three men involved in a food repackaging racket.
- The operation involved altering expiry dates on products from multinational brands.
- Over 3,000 cans of soft drinks and numerous biscuits were seized.
- Officials confirmed the use of forged labels during their investigation.
- FSSAI was called to verify licenses and inspect the seized items.
- A printing machine and chemicals for dating modifications were found at the site.
FAQ
What sparked the investigation into the food repackaging operation?
A tip-off received on March 29 led authorities to investigate an illegal unit operating in Bamnoli village.
What types of products were involved in the racket?
The operation involved soft drinks and biscuits that had altered expiry dates and packaging.
What actions were taken by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India?
FSSAI officials inspected the site, verified licenses, and collected samples for analysis.
What measures were taken against the accused?
The individuals involved were arrested, and a case has been registered for further investigation.
This incident sheds light on ongoing issues of food safety and regulatory compliance in the food industry, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and oversight to protect consumers.
