FDA busts expiry-date tampering racket in Navi Mumbai, seizes Maggi, Lay's stock
Maharashtra FDA seized repackaged food items with tampered expiry dates from a Navi Mumbai firm, suspending its licence. The Bombay HC also criticised the regulator in two other cases.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has uncovered an alleged racket involving the tampering of expiry dates on packaged food products in Navi Mumbai. The action, led by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, resulted in the seizure of stock from popular brands such as Maggi, Lay's, Kurkure, and Fun Flips.
The FDA suspended the licence of Sadhana Enterprises, the firm operating from the TTC Industrial Area in Turbhe, following the discovery. The joint operation, conducted with the Navi Mumbai Police Crime Branch between August 24 and 29, found that manufacturing and expiry dates printed on packaging were being removed and replaced.
Officials also noted that original labels detailing ingredients and nutritional information were being swapped for fresh stickers. The entire stock was then being repackaged for sale.
In a separate development, the Bombay High Court criticised the FDA for its handling of two enforcement cases. The court directed the regulator to withdraw its order suspending operations of five restaurants at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) premises in Bandra-Kurla Complex. A fresh inspection had found the eateries to be 88% compliant with food safety rules. The bench warned of contempt action, stating it was "tired of scolding the department" and that officials had taken a "pedantic view instead of a pragmatic view."
In another case, the FDA withdrew its order cancelling the drug sale licence of Cipla Pharma & Life Sciences Ltd's facility in Wadki, Pune. The court termed the FDA's action "high-handed" and against the principles of natural justice.