During a major operation in Delhi’s Okhla Industrial Area, a gang involved in the business of fake and expired branded food and drinks has been busted. A joint raid by the police and other government agencies revealed a factory where expired or about to expire famous brands of food and beverages were being repackaged and sold in the market as new products. The factory has been sealed in this case and seven people have been arrested so far.
According to the information, this action was initially taken to investigate the complaint of child labour. A team of Delhi Police, SDM, FSSAI and a social organization raided a factory located in Okhla Phase-2. Although no child labor was found there, during investigation a major food fraud came to light to the officials.
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Found products from many brands
Investigation revealed that Bournvita, Maggi, Thums Up, Fanta, Horlicks, Paper Boat Juice, Ghee and other branded products were kept in large quantities in the factory. It is alleged that many of these items were expired or their expiry date was very close. Earlier in the factory, the old manufacturing and expiry dates of these products were erased with the help of chemicals. After this, new date, new batch number, new barcode and new MRP were printed from the printing machines and they were repacked so that they looked like brand new products.
Supplies were made abroad
According to officials, modern printing, sealing and packing machines were installed in the factory for this illegal business. Investigation also revealed that the accused used to buy expired or low priced products and by changing their packaging, they supplied them to different markets in India as well as abroad. In this way, they were earning huge profits while playing with people’s health.
Huge quantity of goods recovered
A large quantity of altered labels, fake stickers, packing materials and finished products were recovered during the raid. Police said that the factory was being run in the name of Westenade Corporation Private Limited. Seven people, including the company owner, have been arrested and a case has been registered against them under various sections of the Indian Justice Code (BNS).
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Questions raised regarding food security
After this matter came to light, serious questions have been raised regarding food safety. Consuming expired food items can be dangerous for health. Consuming such products can cause food poisoning, stomach related diseases and other health problems. The revelations of this network have raised many questions in the minds of people. At present the police is investigating the entire network. It is being ascertained to which states and markets these products with changed packing were delivered and who else were involved in this business.
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