Delhi Residents Beware! ‘Slow Poison’ Reaches Kitchens in Branded Packs — From Oreo to Starbucks

National Desk: Do you enjoy Oreo biscuits, or keep Heinz ketchup and Starbucks coffee at home? If yes, this news may come as a shock. The Delhi Police Crime Branch has busted an international racket that imported expired food products from abroad, altered their expiry dates, and resold them as “fresh” items across Delhi and beyond.

Raids and Massive Seizure

Following raids in Sadar Bazaar and Faiz Ganj, the Crime Branch sealed an illegal factory and seized goods worth nearly ₹4.3 crore. Police recovered over 43,000 kg of solid food items and more than 14,000 litres of beverages. Fake and expired products of over 100 well-known brands—including Nutella, Pringles, and Ferrero Rocher—were being “refreshed” and repackaged for sale.

‘Modern’ Methods to Sell Death

Investigations revealed a sophisticated setup to erase and reprint expiry dates. Using thinners and special chemicals, the gang removed original dates, then used inkjet printers and glue guns to add fresh dates, fake barcodes, and batch numbers. Police found large rolls of counterfeit labels of major brands that looked almost identical to genuine ones.

Supplied to Premium Stores and Online Platforms

The most alarming aspect is that these hazardous products were not limited to street vendors. They were supplied to reputed retail chains and e-commerce platforms, including premium stores like Nature’s Basket. Shockingly, the supply also included food meant for children, posing a direct and severe risk to their lives.

Mastermind Arrested

The alleged kingpin of the operation, 54-year-old Atal Jaiswal, along with seven associates, has been arrested. The gang reportedly bought expired goods at throwaway prices from the UAE, the US, and the UK—items meant to be destroyed there—and routed them to Delhi via agents in Mumbai. The accused have been booked under Sections 275 (sale of poisonous food) and 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Health Risks: Doctors Warn

Medical experts caution that consuming expired chocolates, ketchup, or sauces can lead to serious conditions such as liver and kidney failure. In children, the consequences can be immediately life-threatening. The Delhi Police have urged the public to carefully inspect packaging, labels, and expiry dates before purchasing any food product.