The Consumer Council has strongly criticized a major supermarket chain for fraudulently changing the expiry dates on a dairy product, which is particularly prone to spoilage. During a routine market surveillance, Chief Executive Seema Shandil uncovered that the store had deliberately obscured the original expiry date of November 2024 using a permanent marker and replaced it with a fraudulent date of 2025. This unethical act misled consumers regarding the product’s safety.
Shandil stated that such behavior severely violates consumer trust and regulatory standards, as tampering with expiry dates is against the Food Safety Act and Food Safety Regulations. She has referred the situation to the health department under the municipal council for an official investigation and necessary enforcement actions.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges related to food safety within the retail sector, as seen in recent similar findings where expired and unsafe products were discovered across various outlets, leading to health risks for consumers. The Consumer Council emphasizes the importance of compliance with food safety regulations, reminding food retailers that they may face serious legal repercussions for such violations.
In a hopeful note, the Council, alongside municipal councils, is committed to closely monitoring the supermarket landscape and aims to reinforce consumer rights while holding businesses accountable. Initiatives like these foster a more transparent shopping environment, ensuring that safety and quality are prioritized in food supply chains.
By staying vigilant and informed, consumers can help safeguard their own health and promote integrity within the marketplace.
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