Canada investigates food imports after India raid uncovers fake labels

Canada's food safety agency is assessing whether an illegal food relabelling operation uncovered in India poses a risk to products imported into the country.

Reuters reported that Indian authorities raided a Mumbai warehouse last week and seized nearly $80,000 worth of food products, along with chemicals and printing equipment allegedly used to replace expiry dates and nutritional information.

Products from brands owned by PepsiCo, Nestle, Coca-Cola and Unilever were found at the site.

THe companies are not accused of wrongdoing, with authorities investigating exporters allegedly involved in the operation.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said it has no evidence that affected products reached Canada.

“The Canadian Food Inspection Agency takes food fraud, including false date markings, inaccurate nutrition information, and misleading origin claims seriously,” the CFIA told Reuters.

A Reuters photographer found a packet of PepsiCo's Kurkure chips carrying an allegedly fake nutrition label in English and French, similar to Canada's required bilingual format.

Indian officials said products handled at the warehouse were expired or approaching their expiry dates.

The operation allegedly served 19 exporters, although authorities have not confirmed their intended destinations.

The CFIA said non-compliant foods can face measures including removal from sale, licence suspensions and financial penalties.