Major Warehouse Raid and Regulatory Action Spotlight Sales of Expired Products in India

A major regulatory crackdown has uncovered disturbing instances of expired and improperly handled goods being sold, prompting authorities to issue sweeping directives aimed at protecting public health: in Mumbai, the Zepto quick-commerce warehouse in Dharavi was shuttered after inspections revealed expired items mixed with fresh stock, fungal growth, and storage violations, including goods placed next to stagnant water. Simultaneously, in Moga, a local liquor vendor was caught selling beer cans and bottles past their expiry date, triggering a raid by the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) and potential legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The Tribune In response to these and other similar incidents, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated that all food business operators must report quarterly on expired and rejected foods—including quantities, batch numbers, and actions taken—so that expired goods are not reintroduced into the human food chain through repackaging or diversion. Collectively, these developments underscore growing regulatory enforcement due to rising concerns about public exposure to unsafe expired products, suggest significant reputational and legal risk for retailers, warehouses, and food-business operators, and highlight the necessity for consumers to remain vigilant about expiry dates, packaging integrity, and storage conditions of products purchased.