Food Safety: The Karnataka High Court has declared the sale of expired food items with new labels a serious health hazard. The court stated that public health cannot be compromised for the sake of profit.

High Court strict on selling expired food by putting a new label on it

Expired Food News: If you frequently purchase packaged food or edibles from the market, be sure to check their expiration dates. In such a case, if a shopkeeper or company re-labels expired food and resells it, it won't be considered a mere violation of the rules. Recently, the Karnataka High Court, commenting on a similar case, stated that relabeling expired food products and re-releasing them could pose a serious threat to public health.

The court refused to dismiss a criminal case against a company, stating that public health cannot be compromised for the sake of profit. Spoiled or expired food can be especially dangerous for children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immunity.

What is the whole matter?

This case involves a company called Earth Recyclers Private Limited. The company is accused of collecting expired food items and other spoiled products and then reselling them in the market with new labels or packaging.

The Food Safety Department also issued a notice to the company. During the investigation, several items were recovered, including food items and household items. This is why legal action was initiated against the company.

What argument did the company give?

The company told the court that it did not relabel, repack, or sell expired products for profit. The petitioners also claimed that the food safety officers' inspections, sampling, and subsequent procedures were erroneous. On these grounds, the company sought dismissal of the criminal case against it.

Why did the court not dismiss the case?

The Karnataka High Court dismissed the petition, noting the seriousness of the matter. The court also stated that if the allegations of relabeling expired food items and reselling them as fresh are proven, it cannot be considered mere negligence. It could be a case of deceiving consumers and endangering their health.

Customers should keep these things in mind

• Always check the expiry date before buying the packet.
• If you see a re-pasted or suspicious label on the package, avoid buying the product.
• Do not buy the product if the packaging appears damaged, torn or unusual.
• Also check the seal and condition of the food items.