FSSAI slaps Swiggy Instamart with 9 notices following consumer complaints
New Delhi, July 11
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart over consumer complaints alleging multiple violations, the food regulator said on Saturday.
Taking to the social media platform X, FSSAI said that the complaints alleged the supply of expired, spoiled, rotten, contaminated and otherwise unsafe food products through the quick commerce platform.
Among the key observations, the regulator said eggs were allegedly marketed under a brand name that was not covered under the product categories approved in the existing FSSAI licence. The Food Business Operator (FBO) was directed not to market the product unless it was covered under a valid licence and to apply for a licence modification, if required.
The notices also cited complaints alleging that products such as 'Healthify 100 per cent Whey Protein 1 kg' and 'Noice Homestyle Madras Mixture with Peanuts' were supplied after their expiry dates.
In another instance, an 'Akshayakalpa Organic Egg' was reportedly found expired, rotten, emitting a foul odour and showing signs of contamination, rendering it unfit for human consumption.
Similarly, Kakke da Paratha was reportedly found spoiled and emitting a foul odour, making it unfit for human consumption.
FSSAI also said no corrective action was taken by the FBO despite the complaint being escalated.
It also alleged that an infant food formulation was found in a deteriorated and unsafe condition and was re-supplied to the consumer after the defective product had been returned.
Meanwhile, the regulator has directed the Food Business Operator to submit a detailed explanation addressing the alleged non-compliances and the circumstances leading to the reported incidents.
It has also sought details of the company's food safety systems, quality assurance measures, corrective actions and steps taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
The FSSAI has directed the company to furnish the required explanation and compliance report within the stipulated period, failing which appropriate action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, may be initiated.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I always wondered about the quality of quick commerce items. Getting a product in 10 minutes sounds great, but if it's expired or rotten, it's useless. FSSAI needs to do surprise checks regularly, not just when complaints pile up. Accountability is key!
The way they re-supplied defective infant food is absolutely unacceptable. Babies' health is at stake. Swiggy should be shut down temporarily if they can't follow basic quality checks. FSSAI must act strictly, no more warnings – this is a public health issue.
Honestly, I've had issues with Swiggy Instamart before – received stale bread once. But I never reported it because I thought it was a one-off. Turns out it's a pattern. FSSAI should make it easier for consumers to complain and ensure companies take corrective action quickly.
As someone who uses Instamart for daily groceries, this is alarming. Quick delivery shouldn't come at the cost of safety. FSSAI's role is crucial, but we also need better consumer awareness – if something seems off, report it immediately. Companies only respond when they get slapped with notices.
The 'Kakke da Paratha' being spoiled is a cultural dish, and seeing it delivered rotten is just sad. These platforms need to check their cold storage and expiry dates. FSSAI should mandate real-time tracking for perishable items. Hoping Swiggy takes this seriously and improves. 🙏
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