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The Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) has uncovered fake QR codes on a medicine of a reputed pharmaceutical brand. The discovery has triggered an aggressive probe and sweeping crackdown by the state’s drug regulatory authority.
“We have recovered over 900 strips of a reputed medicine brand from several places in Gujarat based on the investigations and raids. We are committed and working towards dismantling these illegal networks and protecting the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain,” said Dr. H.G. Koshia, Commissioner of Gujarat FDCA.
The fraudulent QR codes, typically used for tracking and verifying the authenticity of medicines, were found to be deceptively placed on packaging to mimic legitimate products. According to FDCA officials, the discovery raises serious concerns about the growing sophistication of counterfeit drug networks and the vulnerability of even top-tier pharmaceutical brands to such practices.
In 2022, the Indian government mandated that the top 300 pharmaceutical brands must include QR codes on their packaging by August 1, 2023, to enhance traceability and authenticity.
In response to the alarming findings, Gujarat FDCA has initiated a robust investigation into the counterfeit operation, with raids and forensic analysis already underway. The crackdown is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as officials work to identify the sources and distribution channels involved in the clandestine activity.
Alongside enforcement measures, the FDCA has launched a comprehensive training programme aimed at empowering 150 key drug enforcement officers across the state. The initiative includes joint commissioners, assistant commissioners, senior drug inspectors, and drug inspectors.
“These training programmes are designed to build technical capacity to detect counterfeit drugs early, trace illegal supply chains, and eliminate malpractice from the grassroots to the top of the distribution network,” Dr. Koshia added.
The training modules will include hands-on workshops on authentication technology, legal frameworks, digital tracking mechanisms, and field-level inspection techniques.
Industry experts warn that the revelation could have far-reaching implications for both public health and brand credibility. Counterfeit medicines often contain incorrect dosages, harmful substances, or no active ingredient at all, posing a direct threat to patient safety.
“We urge pharmaceutical companies to adopt more advanced verification technologies and partner actively with regulators to safeguard their supply chains,” said Dr. Koshia.
The Gujarat FDCA has also appealed to citizens to report any suspicious products through official helplines and to verify QR codes using the appropriate digital platforms.
As the investigation progresses, the FDCA plans to intensify collaboration with central regulatory bodies, customs officials, and inter-state authorities to widen the crackdown beyond Gujarat’s borders.
“With consumer safety at stake and reputations on the line, the Gujarat FDCA’s latest discovery marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against counterfeit drugs in India. The safety of every patient depends on the integrity of every pill,” Dr. Koshia concluded.
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