Medical experts warn that the taste and appearance of packaged foods can be misleading indicators of safety. This comes amid a major crackdown on expiry-date tampering in Navi Mumbai.
- Taste and smell are unreliable indicators of whether packaged food is safe to consume after expiry.
- A major fraud operation in Navi Mumbai was uncovered involving the tampering of manufacturing and expiry dates.
- 'Best Before' refers to quality, whereas 'Expiry Date' refers to safety.
- Consuming expired food can lead to severe health issues like gastroenteritis and dehydration.
A packet of chips, noodles, or mayonnaise might look perfectly normal weeks after its expiry date. It may even smell and taste much the same. However, medical professionals are issuing a stern warning: appearance and taste are poor guides to the biological changes occurring inside aging packaged food.
The urgency of this warning follows a significant operation by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Navi Mumbai Police crime branch. Authorities seized goods worth over Rs 76 lakh, including snacks, soups, and soft drinks, where original manufacturing and expiry dates had been erased and replaced with fraudulent new dates. This criminal activity effectively resets the biological clock of the food while the actual deterioration continues internally.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the rise in sophisticated food label tampering poses a massive threat to public health. When criminals manipulate dates, they strip consumers of their primary defense mechanism—informed decision-making based on official labeling.
"The danger is that the consumer gets no warning from the tongue. Some bacterial contamination and toxins will not necessarily change the taste." - Dr. Nikhil Panda
Dr. Nikhil Panda, a Kolkata-based general physician, explains that packaged foods are engineered with preservatives and controlled moisture to remain stable. This stability creates a false sense of security. "People assume that if an expired packet still tastes all right, it must be safe. That is not necessarily true," he warns.
The deterioration process varies by food type. In dry goods like biscuits or namkeen, fats gradually undergo oxidation, leading to rancidity and loss of nutritional value. In moisture-rich products like sauces or mayonnaise, the risk shifts toward microbiological growth. Even if the flavor remains, the vitamins may have degraded, or harmful toxins may have developed.
| Feature | Best Before | Expiry / Use By |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Product quality and sensory attributes | Food safety and consumption limits |
| Risk Level | Quality may decline, but it is generally safe | Consuming after this date is unsafe |
The World Health Organization (WHO) and FSSAI emphasize that food past its expiry date should never be sold or consumed. Consuming such products can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. For vulnerable populations like children and the elderly, the consequences can escalate to severe dehydration or serious infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between 'Best Before' and 'Expiry Date'?
'Best Before' indicates when the product is at its peak quality, while 'Expiry Date' is the safety cutoff point beyond which the food should not be eaten.
2. Can I eat expired dry food if it smells fine?
It is not recommended. Oxidation can occur in oils and fats without producing a strong unpleasant odor, potentially reducing nutritional value and safety.
