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A joint operation by the FDA and Turbhe police uncovered chemicals used to erase original expiry dates, machines to print replacement labels and a large stock of food products allegedly being prepared for export. Authorities seized goods worth around Rs 75.21 lakh and initiated action against 12 people in connection with the operation.

Mundhe described the activity as systematic and raised concerns over accountability across the food supply chain. The products found included Lay’s, Kurkure, Maggi noodles, Knorr soup, Hellmann’s mayonnaise, Thums Up and Limca. Officials also found allegedly altered nutrition labels designed to meet requirements in foreign markets.

The operation was launched after the Crime Branch’s Central Cell received information that original expiry dates on food products were being erased and replaced with extended dates. A team led by Senior Inspector Ajay Shinde raided the premises on August 24.

Officials found chemicals allegedly used to remove manufacturers’ original expiry and manufacturing dates, along with machines used to print and apply replacement labels.

Officials said most of the products found at the warehouse were either expired or nearing their expiry dates. The investigation also found instances where future manufacturing dates had allegedly been printed on products.FAKE NUTRITION LABELS FOUND ON EXPORT PRODUCTS

The alleged tampering was not limited to expiry dates. Officials also found nutritional and ingredient labels that had been altered to meet requirements of overseas markets. Among the material found at the warehouse were cartons of Nestle’s Maggi noodles. One sample reportedly had a fake nutrition label pasted over the original packaging and described the product as "Product of India."

A PepsiCo Kurkure packet had a bilingual English-French nutrition label. The altered label reportedly changed the quantity of cereal products in the ingredients and modified calorie and serving-size information, apparently to align the packaging with foreign regulations.

The warehouse contained nearly 5,000 cartons of popular consumer products, including PepsiCo’s Lay’s and Kurkure, Nestle’s Maggi Masala Noodles, Unilever’s Knorr Mushroom Soup and Hellmann’s Mayonnaise, and Coca-Cola’s Thums Up and Limca.STOCK WAS MEANT FOR OVERSEAS MARKETS

Authorities said the entire stock recovered from the warehouse was meant for export, although the specific destination countries were not immediately clear. At least one replacement label seen by Reuters was printed in English and French.

The warehouse was allegedly operated by privately owned Sadhana Enterprises. According to a state government release and the police case document, the owner claimed that the company carried out the work on behalf of 19 exporters.

The investigation was conducted with FDA assistance over several days. The FDA subsequently carried out the necessary documentation and action against 12 people in connection with the alleged operation.

The police case does not accuse PepsiCo, Nestle, Coca-Cola or Unilever of involvement in the alleged wrongdoing. Mundhe, however, stressed the need for greater accountability across food-product supply chains. “Companies have to abide with compliance and ensure that branding, packaging and sale are done as per regulations,” he said.- EndsWith inputs from ReutersPublished By: Priyanka KumariPublished On: Sep 1, 2026 18:13 IST