When buying packaged food from the market, we usually look at its price, taste and brand, but ignoring the manufacturing date, expiry date and best before written on the packet can pose a big risk to you. Recently, many cases of expired food items being resold after changing their dates have come to light in metropolitan cities. In such a situation, the question arises that what is the real meaning of these dates on food items? What kind of action can be taken if expired food is sold? How harmful is it to health and what should a common consumer look out for?
Where did the big case regarding expired food come from?
The Food and Drug Administration and the police have raided a packaging area in the Turve area of Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra and seized 4,942 cartons of expired food items, worth more than Rs 75 lakh. The manufacturing and expiry dates of these products were being forged and new dates were being printed. In July, the police busted a racket in Delhi’s Okhla industrial area where expired food was being repackaged and changed. Goods worth over Rs 20 lakh were seized and seven people were arrested in this case. In Kanpur, expired chocolates were found dumped near roadside garbage by a chocolate factory. After this, a crowd gathered there and picked up the cartons.
What do the dates written on food items mean?
The provisions related to labelling, manufacturing/packing date, expiry date and ‘best before’ of food items come under the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) Rules, 2020.
What does ‘Best Before’ mean?
It refers to the date until which a food product remains marketable and maintains its quality under specified storage conditions. After this date, the food product does not become immediately unsafe, but its quality may deteriorate.
Expiry Date:
This is the last date after which the food product should not be consumed or used. Why is eating expired food harmful? According to experts, eating expired food exposes the body to many dangers. Such as the nutritional value of the food is completely reduced. Bacteria and viruses multiply very quickly in it. Problems like diarrhea, food poisoning and fever occur. This can prove to be very fatal for young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people who are already sick. There is a misconception among people that heating or boiling spoiled food will eliminate the danger, but this is completely wrong.
What is the legal penalty for selling expired food?
There are strict provisions for action under sections 27 and 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. In case of no loss, imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. In case of no serious loss, imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh. In case of serious loss, imprisonment for up to 6 years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. In case of death, imprisonment for up to 7 years and life imprisonment and a fine of at least Rs 10 lakh.
What should consumers pay attention to?
Always check the preparation and expiry date before buying. Do not buy if the packet is cracked or open. Do not assume that the food is safe even if it smells and tastes normal. Be extra careful with diary and Amish products. If in doubt, throw it away. Don’t neglect food safety.
