Canada assesses risks to imports after India raid finds fake labels on food products

Canada's food inspection agency is examining whether a fake-labelling operation uncovered in India could threaten goods bound for its market. The agency told Reuters it is monitoring the case and has no information showing that products tied to the operation reached Canada. Business Recorder reported the Canadian response.

Officers in Mumbai searched a warehouse last week and seized goods worth close to $80,000, along with chemicals and printing equipment used to swap out expiry dates and nutrition details. The operation allegedly relabelled food from PepsiCo, Nestle, Coca-Cola and Unilever so the products could pass as export-ready. None of the named brands faces allegations of misconduct, and the probe is targeting rogue exporters instead.

A Reuters photographer spotted a PepsiCo Kurkure pack inside the warehouse, and its counterfeit label listed nutrition facts in English and French, a format resembling Canadian rules. PepsiCo told Reuters it has no commercial dealings with the exporters in question and does not authorise unapproved shipments of its products. Indian officials said the relabelled goods were expired or close to expiry, and the Maharashtra FDA commissioner said the exporters would be investigated.