ISLAMABAD: A viral video from India’s Uttar Pradesh state has sparked outrage after dozens of people were seen collecting expired chocolates and toffees dumped at a roadside garbage site in Kanpur, prompting a police investigation into the incident.

As reported by the Indian media, the incident reportedly took place in Kanpur’s Panki Industrial Area, where a truck allegedly unloaded large quantities of confectionery products that had expired and were deemed unfit for sale.

Indian TV Channel NDTV reported that soon after the stock was dumped, crowds gathered at the site and began filling bags, sacks and cartons with the discarded chocolates.

The TV further reported that the person who recorded the video claimed he was passing through the area when he saw people rushing towards the dumping ground after cartons of chocolates were thrown away.

“He said many people ignored expiry labels, while residents claimed the products had expired in 2024. Despite warnings not to consume them, several people continued collecting the items.”

The footage has triggered widespread debate on social media over food safety, poverty, and the improper disposal of expired food products, with some users expressing concern that the chocolates could be resold instead of destroyed.

According to local media reports, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) S.M. Qasim Abidi said that the Panki police station had been directed to investigate the matter.

Indian media claims that the relevant authorities are yet to officially confirm all details of the incident, but an inquiry has been initiated following the viral video.

Chocolates

People scramble for expired chocolates dumped in India’s Kanpur