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Market Research

By Nakul Pasricha*

FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY’S food and drink were seized, and Unfortunately, the situation is no
STRUGGLE WITH ADULTERATION approximately 672 individuals different in India. Recent news
AND COUNTERFEITING arrested during the operation. The reported in the media shows an
Adulteration in the food industry is latest Operation OPSON, coordinated alarming state of affairs. Very
a colossal menace globally. It has by Europol’s Intellectual Property recently, Delhi Police busted a
caught the attention of authorities Crime Coordinated Coalition and gang operating for the past seven
across the globe and demanded INTERPOL, resulted in the seizure years who were involved in the
strict action. Regulatory bodies, of more than €100 million worth manufacturing of fake cumin. More
enforcement agencies, and private of potentially dangerous food and than 450 bags each containing 20
sector partners from approximately drinks. Kg of fake cumin were seized by the
78 countries took part in the recent police. This fake cumin was made
OPSON VIII operation, under which According to the Grocery Manu- of stone dust, semolina, and a grass
more than 67,000 checks were facturers Association (GMA) in the paste. Consumption of this could
carried out at shops, markets, United States, it is estimated that cause serious health hazards. This
airports, seaports, and industrial counterfeiting of global food and is just one of the many instances

estates. Around 16,000 tonnes consumer products may cost the across the country but reflects on is
and 33 million litres of likely fake industry $10-15 billion per year. the gravity of the situation.

Food Marketing & Technology 38 February 2020