KUWAIT CITY, July 29:  Kuwaiti authorities have seized approximately four tons of expired food products in a large-scale operation uncovering serious violations related to food safety regulations. During the inspection, investigators discovered that expiration dates on various food items had been deliberately tampered with to mislead consumers.

In several cases, expiration dates were erased using solvents or cotton, and new labels with false dates were placed over the original ones. Packets of corn chips that had an actual expiration date of July 15, 2025, were found with the date removed and the product still displayed for sale. Similarly, cocoa products showed two dates printed on the packaging—one being the original (April 2025) and a fraudulent one (September 2025) layered over it.

Authorities also seized large quantities of potatoes, sweets, cheeses, and other snacks. Many of these items bore clear signs of tampering, including visible erasure marks. Some expiration dates had been extended by four months, five months, or even an entire year.

Inspectors also found tools used in the fraud, including cotton swabs and specific instructions for removing ink from cans. In some cases, individuals were observed wiping off expiration dates by hand and relabeling items for sale in local markets.

Refrigerators within the inspected stores contained expired goods with altered labels, some of which had been extended by up to a year to appear fresh. These practices pose a serious health threat to consumers and are considered grave violations of public safety standards.

Authorities have taken legal action, closing the violating establishments and referring the offenders to the Public Prosecution. Officials reiterated their commitment to protecting public health and safety, urging consumers to always check expiration dates and report any suspected violations through official channels.