Why Is Future Date Of Packaging Problematic? Zomato Warehouse Inspection In Hyderabad Raises Food Safety Concerns

It’s always wise to check the date and place of manufacture and expiry date when it comes to food. These days, people are increasingly experiencing health issues and illnesses due to contaminated or unhealthy food. Packaged food products are one thing to look out for. Consuming packaged foods after their expiration date can be toxic and negatively impact a person. Recently, food safety officials in Hyderabad have discovered that the Zomato Hyperpure warehouse in Kukatpally has food with a future date of packaging.

Packaging Food Products With Future Dates Is Problematic

There are numerous issues with the packaging of food products with future dates. The primary issue is the numerous adverse health effects it has on individuals. The inclusion of a future date on packaged food increases its potential danger. Every food or edible item has its own shelf life, and changing that is like putting another person at risk.

Future date of packaging refers to printing a “future date” on labels rather than the one on which the product was actually packed. The inclusion of a future date on packaging can potentially deceive consumers into believing that the product has a longer shelf life than it actually does. For example, if a product’s packaging date is November 2, 2024, and it’s best before 6 months, a future date of January 2, 2025, could deceive consumers into using the product beyond its actual shelf life.

Future-date packaging can lead to consumer mistrust and violations of rules and regulations, which is a significant issue. Companies selling packaged food products are held accountable for any health issues caused by their products. Eating outdated food can result in food poisoning, which can include fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, and nausea. Further, if we keep food beyond its usual shelf life, it also loses nutritional value and can harm the digestive system.

Also Read: 8 Most Common Food Additives To Avoid In Packaged Food

The Zomato Hyperpure Warehouse Incident

During an inspection, food safety violations were discovered in Hyperpure, Zomato’s end-to-end supply chain solution for the hotels, restaurants, and caterers sector. It was discovered that the warehouse, an FBO with a state license, was operational and had the required pest control and medical fitness certificates. Nevertheless, the task force found that despite examination the day before, 18 kg of button mushrooms had a “future date of packing” labelled October 30, 2024. The issues were not appropriately handled, according to the inspection.

Due to the absence of an insect-proof screen,  the task force team spotted houseflies in the warehouse. Food handlers were also not wearing aprons or hair caps.

This incident underscores the importance of strict rules and regulations at warehouses storing food products.

Also Read: FSSAI Mandates Enhanced, Bigger Labels With Nutritional Information On Packaged Food Items; Here’s Why

Zomato’s Response To The Future Date Packaged Product Incident

Zomato has issued an official statement regarding the future date of packaged products found in its warehouse row. “The FSSAI team noted that 90 packets of button mushrooms had incorrect packaging dates,” said the Zomato spokesperson. The spokesperson also revealed that the warehouse team identified these issues and rejected them during an inward quality control (QC) process.

Furthermore, the statement mentioned that Hyperpure has delisted the vendor responsible for a manual error, thanks to stringent inward guidelines and tech processes, which enabled the team to identify the error promptly. According to a Zomato spokesperson, Zomato is committed to upholding industry standards for food safety and guaranteeing product quality across the supply chain.

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