FDA crackdown in Noida, Navi Mumbai: Expired Lay's, Maggi, Thums Up stocks found repackaged

The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has seized nearly Rs 75 lakh worth of food products after raids uncovered alleged repackaging and relabelling of expired stocks in Navi Mumbai and Noida.

The action was carried out between August 24 and 29 in coordination with the Thane and Navi Mumbai police. Ten companies were found involved in activities including the alleged sale of counterfeit food products and repackaging of expired items for resale, according to the FDA.

Expiry and nutrition details allegedly changed

During the raids, officials found that some businesses were allegedly repackaging expired products and changing their manufacturing and expiry dates. Stickers were also being used to alter nutritional information printed on product packaging, the FDA said.

The products seized included several well-known food and beverage brands. Stocks of Lay’s and Kurkure potato chips and snacks were among the items found, along with Bingo Mad Angles, Fun Flips and Fun Masala.

The seized material also included Maggi instant noodles, Knorr mushroom soup and several ready-to-eat products such as Rasoi Amritsari Paneer Tikka Masala, Dum Aloo, Paneer Bhurji and Dal Makhni.

Hellmann’s mayonnaise and canned beverages, including Thums Up and Limca, were also part of the seized stock.

Firms in Mumbai, Noida under scanner

The FDA action covered seven trading and export firms based in Mumbai and three entities operating from Noida.

The Mumbai-based firms included Novas Export in Mulund, Joshi Brothers in Ghatkopar, Beyond Export in Malad, Jamnadas Ruttonsay & Co in Fort, Span Impex in Mumbai, Kasturi in Andheri and Angad Export in Chembur.

The three Noida-based entities were Bharat International, Anika Export and Aarnika Export.

In a separate action, the food regulator suspended the licence of Sadhana Enterprises in the Turbhe industrial area.

Nearly 5,000 cartons seized

Across the operations, the FDA seized 4,942 cartons of food and beverage stocks with a total value of Rs 75,21,269.

The crackdown comes as part of the regulator’s latest action against alleged violations of food safety rules involving counterfeit products and the sale of expired food items after changes were made to their packaging and labelling.