In Malmö, Sweden, food inspectors discovered five tons of expired candy that had been altered to appear fresh during a routine inspection. The candy, once expired for more than a year, was found to have its original best before dates erased using nail polish remover, and new dates stamped on to mislead consumers. During the inspection, two individuals who were in the act of repackaging the candy fled the scene, highlighting a concerning attempt to circumvent food safety regulations.

The inspection took place in late January, when inspectors from the Malmö city’s food safety unit noticed an open door at a facility housing several food wholesalers. Upon entering, they found evidence of food handling without proper registration, prompting them to investigate further. The inspectors discovered ten pallets of boxes containing candy that had expiration dates extending into 2024, suggesting that this was a scheme to sell expired goods under the guise of freshness.

This incident raises significant concerns regarding food safety and consumer protection in Sweden. The actions taken by the individuals involved not only violate health codes but also put consumers at risk, highlighting the potential for wider food safety problems in the region. The local authorities are now likely to pursue legal action against those responsible, and there may be broader implications for regulatory compliance within the food distribution industry in Malmö.