Report

Over the past three years, at least 38% of Indian households have purchased packaged food products—still within their expiration dates—that turned out to be contaminated with insects, mold, or other impurities. This alarming insight comes from a recent survey by LocalCircles, a community-based platform.

Released on World Health Day 2025, the survey paints a grim picture of food safety in India. Consumers have repeatedly reported finding contaminated packaged food products from well-known brands, including centipedes in ice cream containers, dead frogs in wafer packs, and rodents in syrup bottles. Moldy bread and flour infested with bugs also made the list. Despite these shocking findings, most complaints end with a mere refund—usually after persistent follow-ups—while supply chain accountability remains elusive.

Contaminated Food, Shattered Trust

The survey gathered over 40,000 responses from consumers across 341 districts. A striking 59% of respondents said they would completely stop buying from a brand after finding infested products. Another 25% said they would avoid that specific product but might still trust other items from the same brand.

Health concerns also emerged as a major issue. Respondents flagged risks such as foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, parasitic infections, and exposure to toxic substances. Many pointed fingers at food processing units and poor storage practices throughout the supply chain—distributors, retailers, eCommerce warehouses, and dark stores all came under scrutiny.

Safety Laws, Poorly Enforced

Nearly 9 out of 10 respondents urged the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and state food departments to ramp up audits and strengthen enforcement. Many claimed that inspections often serve as mere formalities conducted only when certifications are due for renewal.

The survey also stressed the need for an accessible and efficient grievance redressal system. Despite the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 laying down clear requirements, authorities have failed to implement them effectively. Respondents called on FSSAI and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to roll out a focused action plan—including regular audits, public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement, and robust consumer feedback systems.

Source: Business Standard