Canada Assesses Import Risks After India Food Relabelling Raid

Canadian authorities are assessing whether an illegal food-repackaging operation uncovered in India could pose a risk to food products imported into Canada. Indian authorities recently raided a warehouse in Mumbai and seized nearly $80,000 worth of food products, along with chemicals and printing equipment allegedly used to replace expiry dates and nutrition information on packaged foods.

The seized products included brands such as PepsiCo, Nestle, Coca-Cola and Unilever, though none of the companies have been accused of wrongdoing. Canada’s food inspection agency said it has no information indicating that products from the operation entered Canada, but it is monitoring the situation. Authorities said the case raises concerns over food fraud, including false expiry dates, inaccurate nutrition information and misleading product details.

Indian officials said some of the relabelled products were expired or close to expiry, while the warehouse operators were reportedly working for 19 little-known exporters whose destinations remain unclear. PepsiCo said it had no commercial relationship with the exporters and does not support unauthorised exports. Canadian authorities said non-compliant food products can face removal from the market, licence suspensions and financial penalties.

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