Fake labels, real concerns: Canada checks import risks after Mumbai warehouse raid; a new hurdle for India’s food exports? | Today’s news
India’s food exports are facing fresh scrutiny after a raid in Mumbai uncovered fake food labels. Canada is now assessing whether the illegal operation poses any risk to its food imports, according to Reuters. However, his food agency has no information about these products entering the country.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is monitoring developments following a warehouse raid last week. It became the first foreign agency to respond to the incident. His assessment raises questions about export controls. However, the destination of the goods remains unclear.
“At this time, the CFIA has no information to indicate that products associated with this operation have entered Canada,” she said in a statement to Reuters.
“The Canadian Food Inspection Agency takes food fraud, including false date labeling, inaccurate nutrition information and misleading origin claims, seriously,” the statement added.
Indian authorities confiscated products worth nearly $80,000 (trans ₹75 lakh), along with chemicals and printing machinery. According to officials, the facility replaced expiration dates and nutritional information to prepare products for export. The seized goods included products from PepsiCo, Nestle, Coca-Cola and Unilever brands.
None of these companies have been charged with wrongdoing in the case. Investigators are targeting rogue exporters associated with warehouse operations. Officials said the owners worked for 19 little-known exporters.
According to Indian officials, the rebranded products have expired or are nearing their expiration date. Authorities did not publicly say which countries were to receive the goods. This uncertainty remains central to questions related to the potential impact on overseas consumers.
A Kurkure package photographed during the raid contained false nutritional information in English and French. The package belonged to the Indian snack brand PepsiCo and was found in a warehouse.
Its bilingual format resembled Canadian requirements that require nutritional information in both languages. However, this marking alone does not prove that the package was destined for Canada.
PepsiCo said it has no business relationships with the exporters named in recent media reports. The company says it does not support or condone the unauthorized export of its products.
“Our made-in-India snack products are intended for sale in India unless specifically authorized by us for export,” Reuters quoted the company as saying.
Statement by Tukaram Mundhe
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the findings have been shared with the authorities concerned.
“We have written to the authorities concerned about our findings, who will investigate the details of the exporters involved,” Mundhe, who led the operation, told Reuters on September 3.
India’s commerce ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
