FDA Suspends Zepto’s Food License At Dharavi Facility; Finds Fungal Growth, Expired Stock, & Poor Hygiene

Quick commerce has undoubtedly become a vital part of our daily lives, and Zepto is one of the most popular platforms. However, in an unexpected move that has caused a stir in the quick-commerce community, Zepto has had its food business license suspended at its Dharavi facility in Mumbai. This action was taken by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after an inspection exposed severe lapses in hygiene and safety.

FDA Suspends Zepto’s Food License Over Shocking Hygiene Violations In Mumbai

As per the officials, an FDA inspection team visited Zepto’s Dharavi unit and was shocked by what they found. The food hub was reportedly in gross violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and the Licensing and Registration Regulations 2011, Financial Express reported.

During the inspection, the FDA team found fungal growth on food items. They also found food being stored next to clogged water, a clear contamination hazard. In fact, cold storage temperatures were also not maintained, directly breaching food safety norms. According to the Financial Express reports, food items and raw materials were scattered on wet, dirty floors. In a serious lapse of inventory management, expired products were found mixed with non-expired stock. The overall unhygienic conditions certainly pose a significant risk to public health.

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License Suspended Until Regulations Are Met

FDA Minister of State Yogen Kadam supported the inspection, and Assistant Commissioner Anupama Balasaheb Patil made the ultimate decision to suspend the licence. Citing Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act and Regulation 2.1.8(4) of the Licensing Regulations, the FDA ordered an immediate suspension of Zepto’s food license for the Dharavi location, Financial Express reported.

While the QuickCommerce platform continues to operate in other regions, its Dharavi hub cannot legally conduct any food-related operations until all the violations are corrected and all compliance conditions are met. The facility will require sanitisation, improved storage standards, and expired goods disposal.

Addressing the situation, a Zepto spokesperson has stated, “At Zepto, maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene is non-negotiable. We have already initiated an internal review and are working closely with the concerned authorities to ensure full and swift compliance. We are committed to rectifying the lapses identified and strengthening our processes to provide the best and safest quality of products to our consumers.” The company has promised to take all required corrective action in order to quickly resume operations in compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

Getting essentials delivered at home within minutes is definitely revolutionary; however, this fast delivery must not come at the cost of health and hygiene standards.

Cover Image Courtesy: Zepto/X