What’s in your Maggi, Kurkure packets? FDA busts Rs 75-lakh racket

A crackdown by the Maharashtra food safety regulator, in collaboration with the Central Crime Branch in Navi Mumbai, has dismantled an alleged scheme to falsify manufacturing and expiry dates on packaged food items from prominent brands like Maggi, Lay's, and Kurkure. Authorities seized approximately Rs 75 lakh worth of stock from a warehouse in Turbhe, during a six-day operation from August 24 to 29.

The operation targeted Sadhna Enterprises, a unit run by Jayprakash Sanchetiram Singh and Jaya Navrang Bahadur Singh. The establishment was used to store food products from various exporter companies, where the original dates were wiped clean and replaced with newer, extended dates using an inkjet printer. Besides Maggi and Kurkure, items seized included Lay's, Bingo, Fun Flips, and Masala and Atta noodles from Maggi, as well as soups, tins, and mayonnaise from Rasoi, Knorr, Thumbs Up, and Limca.

The investigation also found altered ingredients and nutritional information on products like Wagh Bakri Tea, MDH Kitchen King, Kasuri Methi, and Deggi Mirch. Upon inspection, it was found that the original dates were removed using thinner and replaced with fresh, extended dates using an inkjet printer. According to the FIR, exporters with valid FSSAI licences, purchase bills, and export-related paperwork had their stock cleared as authentic for export.

However, three parties—Unique Fragrances, Pristine Worldwide, and Vipul Doshi—failed to provide valid documentation. Their samples are under verification. The seized stock, approximately 4,942 cartons worth Rs 75,21,269, is being held in safekeeping with strict instructions against movement. The case involves multiple sections of the FSS Act, 2006, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Maharashtra emphasizes strict enforcement of food safety laws, ensuring consumer health remains uncompromised.