The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business license of Kiranakart Technologies Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of quick-commerce platform Zepto, following a surprise inspection at its Dharavi warehouse in Mumbai that revealed alarming hygiene violations.The Times of India
Inspection Uncovers Serious Food Safety Breaches
The FDA’s action was prompted by a tip-off from Yogesh Kadam, Minister of State for FDA, leading to an inspection that uncovered multiple infractions. Inspectors found food items contaminated with fungal growth, expired products stored alongside fresh stock, and storage areas plagued by stagnant water and unclean, wet floors. Additionally, cold storage units were malfunctioning, failing to maintain the required temperatures for perishable goods.
Anupama Patil, Assistant Commissioner (Food), stated that expired items were stored with other products, and these have since been destroyed. Mangesh Mane, Joint Commissioner (Food), emphasized that the facility will remain closed until all violations are addressed and compliance with food safety regulations is demonstrated. The Times of India+1The Indian Express+1
Zepto’s Response and Broader Implications
In response to the suspension, Zepto has initiated an internal review and is cooperating with authorities to rectify the issues. A company spokesperson affirmed Zepto’s commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene, stating that corrective actions are underway to resume operations in accordance with the law.
The suspension has broader implications for Zepto’s operations, as the Dharavi warehouse plays a critical role in its logistics and delivery network. Following the incident, Zepto has suspended its Zepto Cafe services in cities like Delhi and Chandigarh, indicating a wider impact on the company’s services. The Times of IndiaThe Times of India
Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies Across Quick-Commerce Platforms
The FDA’s action against Zepto is part of a broader crackdown on food safety violations in the quick-commerce sector. Other platforms, such as Blinkit, have also come under scrutiny. For instance, a Blinkit facility in Hyderabad was recently raided by food safety authorities, revealing disorganized and unhygienic conditions, including infested and expired food items.
These incidents have prompted e-commerce platforms to enhance product checks in their dark stores and warehouses. Some are considering implementing recall policies and are prepared to delist sellers who repeatedly violate safety protocols. Zepto, for example, is reportedly contemplating a recall policy to address instances of food contamination. The Times of India+2The Times of India+2The Economic Times+2The Economic Times+2The Times of India+2The Times of India+2
Public Health Concerns and Consumer Trust
The discovery of unhygienic conditions and expired food products raises significant public health concerns. Experts warn that such lapses can lead to foodborne illnesses and erode consumer trust in quick-commerce platforms. Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, emphasized the risk of infections associated with unhygienic storage, including diseases like typhoid and cholera.
Consumer complaints have also surfaced, with customers reporting issues such as receiving rotten fruits and vegetables, and even contaminated packaged goods. These reports highlight the need for stringent quality control measures across the supply chain to ensure consumer safety.
Conclusion
The suspension of Zepto’s Dharavi warehouse license underscores the critical importance of adhering to food safety and hygiene standards, especially in the rapidly growing quick-commerce sector. As regulatory bodies intensify scrutiny, companies must prioritize compliance to safeguard public health and maintain consumer trust.The Times of India
