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This photo produced by NEISSR trainees show replacement of the company’s original marked labels.[/caption]
Dimapur, Dec. 4 (EMN): About 50% of population in Dimapur are reported exposed to severe health problem through the treachery of some business establishments who sell expired food items to the consumers.
This was disclosed by 2nd year research trainees of NEISSR, who undertook a survey on food products being sold in malls and other shops in Dimapur Municipal area from November- December as part of the field study.In the conscious light of the health hazards on consumption of expired products from the markets, the team surveyed on food items like snacks, dried and preserved fruits, nuts, biscuits etc.
The team observed that about 50% of the total population within Dimapur rely on purchasing from malls due to the advantageous availability of products. Through the study, it was found that many food products are being sold after the expiry. The same was substantiated through several complaints.
It was found that in many of the food items being sold, the company labels of manufacturing dates (Mfg Date), Expiry Date (Exp Date), Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and Batch number were tampered, removed and relabelled with the retailer’s/ supplier’s labels. Besides, the product durability (Best Before ....Months) as prescribed for the particular products were even extended through the replacement of the company’s original marked labels.
It was also observed that most food items were found to have defects including foreign imported products from Thailand and Burma as well as other Indian manufactured products.
It stated that the defective products were redressed with the mall managers either through amicable settlement or refunds for the purchased of products.
From the malls view point, it was stated that periodical checks were conducted on products. They have admitted of such complaints at times, since products were being supplied to the outlets in bulks. They have not ruled out involvement of certain suppliers in supplying expired products at a low cost to the outlets by removing the original labels and re-labelling them with extended manufacturing and expiry dates.
In the light of such situation, the team has cautioned the public and consumers to be aware of their rights on purchases made for their consumption as well the health hazards that might be impacted on consumption of the expired food items. It urged the public to remain vigil by checking expiry dates and other manipulative activities on purchase of food products.