Former Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and current member of the National Human Rights Commission, Priyank Kanoongo, expressed strong disapproval towards fraudsters altering food and beverage labels that predominantly affect children in India.
Kanoongo highlighted the issue on social media, emphasizing the detrimental impact of selling products like Bournvita and Maggi with counterfeit labeling, labeling it as an assault on Indian children. He revealed a recent incident in Okhla, Delhi, where a gang was caught printing fake expiry dates and nutritional information to deceive consumers.
Moreover, Kanoongo, known for his book “Pinjra – The Cage,” which delves into the lives of children in care institutions, raised concerns about the prevalence of such fraudulent practices. Recent reports mentioned a raid by the Food Safety Department in Okhla Industrial Area, uncovering expired food items, with ongoing investigations and actions being taken.
Kanoongo’s social media post included a video showing him inspecting containers with duplicate labels, some of which contained false information. He questioned the officials present about the owner behind the illicit operation in the heart of the National Capital, seeking accountability for such deceptive practices.
Reports have previously highlighted instances of fraudsters illegally importing, repackaging, and selling expired global food products, impacting children’s health. Despite enforcement actions and arrests, similar incidents continue to surface, underscoring the need for stricter measures to safeguard consumers, especially children.
