Expired Oreo Biscuit Scam in India: Delhi Police Seize 43,000 KG of Imported Food in Massive Racket Bust
Delhi Police have uncovered a massive expired imported food racket involving Oreo biscuits, chocolates, sauces, beverages, and several international food brands allegedly being sold illegally across India with fake expiry labels. The investigation exposed a large underground network accused of importing expired food products, altering packaging dates, and redistributing them through wholesale and retail markets for huge profits.
According to official reports, authorities seized nearly 43,762 kilograms of expired food products and over 14,000 liters of beverages worth around ₹4.3 crore during raids conducted in Delhi. Investigators believe the racket operated through organized supply chains that sourced near-expiry and expired imported goods from foreign markets before relabeling them for resale in India.
The case has raised serious concerns about food safety violations, illegal imported snack distribution, and the risks posed to consumers by expired packaged products.
Delhi Police Seize 43,000 KG of Expired Oreo Biscuits and Imported Food Products
The Delhi Police Crime Branch launched the investigation after receiving intelligence inputs about suspicious imported food products being sold at unusually low prices in markets across the capital.
During multiple raids in Delhi’s Sadar Bazaar area, officials recovered thousands of kilograms of expired biscuits, chocolates, chips, sauces, mayonnaise, beverages, and packaged snacks. Authorities stated that several globally recognized brands were found during the operation, including Oreo, Nutella, Pringles, Kellogg’s, Heinz, Cadbury, Lipton, and Starbucks-branded products.
Police officials confirmed that the seized stock included expired Oreo biscuits that were allegedly repackaged with fake expiry labels before being supplied to retailers and distributors.
The scale of the seizure revealed the existence of a highly organized expired food racket operating through illegal import and redistribution channels.
How the Expired Oreo Biscuit Scam Operated in India
Investigators allege that the accused imported expired and near-expiry food products from countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Dubai through wholesale suppliers and clearance stock markets.
Instead of destroying expired products, the accused allegedly purchased them at extremely low prices and transported them into India using manipulated documentation and supply chain loopholes.
Once the goods reached warehouses in Delhi, workers reportedly:
- Removed original expiry labels
- Printed fake manufacturing and expiry dates
- Changed packaging stickers and barcodes
- Repackaged imported food products to appear fresh
Police also recovered label-printing machines, sealing equipment, packaging materials, and fake stickers used for altering product details.
Authorities believe the products were then supplied to local distributors, premium grocery stores, malls, and informal retail networks across multiple cities.
Seven Arrested in the ₹4.3 Crore Expired Food Racket
Delhi Police arrested seven individuals allegedly connected to the operation. Reports identified the alleged mastermind as Atal Jaiswal, who investigators believe coordinated the import, storage, relabelling, and redistribution of expired food products.
Officials stated that the racket involved large-scale manipulation of imported goods and violations of multiple food safety laws under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations.
The accused are facing charges related to:
- Food adulteration
- Fraudulent trade practices
- Sale of unsafe food products
- Cheating and criminal conspiracy
- Violations of food safety regulations
Authorities are continuing investigations to identify additional distributors, suppliers, and retailers linked to the network.
Health Risks Linked to Expired Imported Food Products
Food safety experts warn that consuming expired packaged food products can pose serious health risks, especially when products are improperly stored or repackaged under unhygienic conditions.
Over time, ingredients such as oils, cream fillings, preservatives, and flavouring agents begin to deteriorate, increasing the risk of:
- Food poisoning
- Digestive problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bacterial contamination
- Mold growth
Officials were particularly concerned because many seized products, including Oreo biscuits and imported snacks, are commonly consumed by children and families.
Authorities stated that several food samples have been sent for laboratory testing to determine whether the products were unsafe for consumption under FSSAI standards.
Why the Expired Food Racket Raises Serious Food Safety Concerns in India
The case has once again highlighted major weaknesses in monitoring imported food supply chains and informal retail markets in India.
Experts believe illegal food networks often exploit gaps in customs inspections, warehouse monitoring, and local retail enforcement to distribute expired imported products without detection.
The incident has also sparked debate over the need for:
- Stronger food safety inspections
- Better customs verification systems
- Strict monitoring of imported packaged food
- Tougher penalties for food adulteration
- Increased consumer awareness about checking expiry labels
As investigations continue, the Delhi Police crackdown is being seen as one of the biggest busts involving expired imported food products in recent years.