Beware: Imported FMCG Products in India Are Not Always Safe—How Fraudsters Are Cheating Consumers

New Delhi: Many consumers in Delhi NCR and Mumbai prefer imported food and beverages from the US, UK, or other European countries, believing them to be of superior quality. However, recent police action has exposed a fraudulent racket selling expired foreign FMCG products, highlighting the risks of blindly trusting imported goods.

How the Racket Operated
The Delhi Police Crime Branch raided wholesale markets in Sadar Bazaar, Pahadi Dheeraj, and Faiz Ganj, uncovering a sophisticated operation. Fraudsters imported near-to-expiry or already expired food products from countries like the US, UK, and Dubai. Once in India, the original expiry dates were erased using thinners and replaced with new dates. Some packages even featured fake barcodes to mislead customers.

Massive Seizure
During the raid, police seized approximately ₹4.3 crore worth of expired food items, including:

• 43,762 kg of food materials
• 14,665 liters of beverages
• 6,047 kg of chocolates, biscuits, wafers, candy, and chips
• 23,050 kg of sauces, ketchup, vinegar, and mayonnaise
• 14,000 liters of expired cold drinks

These products, intended for sale in upscale markets, were a serious health hazard, particularly for children, who consume most of these items.

Why Import Expired Products?
Industry experts explain that imported food products are often perceived as higher quality than Indian-made equivalents. This allows unscrupulous traders to buy near-expiry or expired goods at cheap rates abroad, import them with reduced customs duties, and sell them at premium prices in India—yielding huge profits.

Health Risks
Consuming expired chocolates, candies, chips, and cold drinks can pose serious health risks, ranging from food poisoning to long-term complications. Parents and consumers are urged to carefully check expiry dates and verify product authenticity before purchase.

Understanding FMCG
FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) refers to everyday products that sell quickly at low prices. These include packaged foods, beverages, soaps, shampoos, detergents, and other household items. Due to their short shelf life and high demand, FMCG products are a critical segment of the economy, but also vulnerable to fraudulent practices if proper regulations and vigilance are not maintained.

Consumers are advised to buy from trusted sources and remain cautious about attractive deals on imported FMCG products.