New Delhi: A major food safety racket involving the relabelling and repackaging of expired food and beverage products has been unearthed in Delhi’s Okhla Industrial Area, exposing a sophisticated operation that allegedly supplied tampered goods to retail outlets as well as e-commerce warehouses. The illegal business, which investigators believe had been functioning for over four years, has raised serious concerns about consumer safety and the integrity of India’s packaged food supply chain.
The racket came to light during a joint raid conducted on July 2, 2026, at a three-storey building located at Plot No. X-57 in Okhla Phase-II. The operation was carried out by the Delhi Police in coordination with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Badarpur and officials of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Interestingly, the raid was initially launched as part of a child labour rescue operation based on specific intelligence inputs.
Although authorities did not find any child labourers at the premises, they instead uncovered what officials described as a fully functional illegal “re-manufacturing” unit where expired food and beverage products were being altered and repackaged for resale.
During the search, investigators recovered large quantities of popular consumer brands, including Thums Up, Fanta, Maggi noodles, Bournvita, Horlicks, Paper Boat juices and several varieties of edible oils. Officials also seized specialised machinery used for removing and reprinting manufacturing and expiry dates, along with fake labels, barcodes and packaging materials.
According to the investigation, the racket was allegedly masterminded by 70-year-old Darshan Singh Sachdeva, who operated the business under the name “Westend Corporation Pvt. Ltd.” Police said the accused procured near-expiry and expired branded products from around 60 to 70 wholesalers located across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar at heavily discounted prices.
Instead of discarding the expired products as mandated under food safety regulations, the accused allegedly employed a systematic process to make them appear fresh and fit for sale. Investigators revealed that workers first used chemical thinners and cleaning agents to erase the original manufacturing and expiry dates printed on product packaging. They then used handheld printing machines to stamp new expiry dates, often extending the shelf life by five to six months.
In cases where the original printing could not be completely removed, the workers allegedly covered it with counterfeit labels, fake barcodes and fabricated nutritional information stickers to give the products an authentic appearance. Authorities believe the operation was carefully designed to deceive consumers as well as retailers.
Officials estimated the value of the seized inventory at more than ₹20 lakh. However, investigators suspect that the recovered goods represent only a small portion of the products distributed during the racket’s four-year operation. Police are now attempting to determine the full extent of the supply chain and identify additional locations connected to the network.
One of the most alarming aspects of the case is the alleged supply of tampered products to e-commerce warehouses. Investigators fear that consumers across multiple states may have unknowingly purchased and consumed the altered food items through both online platforms and conventional retail channels.
A senior police official stated that the recovery of industrial-grade printing, sealing and date-altering equipment confirmed the existence of a well-organised illegal adulteration unit rather than an isolated case of food tampering.
Food safety experts have warned that consuming expired food products can pose significant health risks. Dairy products, beverages, nutritional supplements and packaged foods may develop harmful bacteria, mould or toxins after their expiry date, potentially leading to food poisoning, gastrointestinal infections and other serious health complications.
Following the raid, Delhi Police arrested seven individuals, including the alleged kingpin Darshan Singh Sachdeva, along with key members of the operation, including the manager, accountant and warehouse staff.
The accused have been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections relating to food adulteration, cheating and criminal conspiracy. Officials noted that BNS Section 274, which deals with the adulteration of food or drink intended for sale, prescribes stringent punishment, including imprisonment and monetary penalties.
The investigation remains underway as authorities continue tracing the distribution network and examining whether businesses or e-commerce entities that received the products were aware of the alleged fraud. Brand owners whose products were counterfeited have also been informed.
Meanwhile, officials have urged consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing packaged food items. They have advised buyers to carefully examine packaging for signs of tampering, mismatched labels or suspicious printing and to immediately report any doubtful products to the FSSAI or local food safety authorities.
