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Key Points

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended Zepto's food license in Dharavi, Mumbai, due to serious violations of food safety standards. An inspection identified issues such as fungal growth on food articles and improper storage conditions, prompting immediate regulatory action. The suspension will remain until Zepto meets all compliance requirements, with the company committed to addressing these lapses. Zepto has initiated an internal review and is working with authorities to rectify the situation and ensure public safety.

Key Points: Zepto's License Suspended in Dharavi for Food Safety Breaches

  • Inspection revealed unhygienic conditions in Dharavi Zepto outlet
  • Violations include poor storage and expired products not separated
  • License suspension active until full compliance and approval
  • Zepto pledges quick action to address issues and resume operations
2 min read

Zepto's license suspended in Mumbai's Dharavi for food safety non-compliance

Maharashtra FDA halts Zepto operations in Dharavi due to severe food safety violations.

"These findings constitute a failure to comply with the conditions of the license. - FDA Maharashtra"

Mumbai, June 2

The food business licence of quick-commerce firm Zepto in Dharavi in Mumbai, has been suspended by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for non-compliances with food safety standards.

Based on information received from Minister of State for Food and Drug Administration, Yogesh Kadam, and under the guidance of Mangesh Mane, Joint Commissioner (Food), an inspection was conducted at the premises of Kiranakart Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Zepto), located in Dharavi, Mumbai, by Food Safety Officer Ram Bodke, the Maharashtra FDA said in a statement.

The inspection revealed serious non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, it said.

Key observations during the inspection included- Fungal growth observed on certain food articles; storage of products near clogged/stagnant water, indicating poor hygiene; cold storage temperatures not maintained as per regulatory standards; wet and filthy floors, with food items stored in a disorganised and unsanitary manner, including directly on the floor and expired food products found not clearly separated from non-expired stock.

"These findings constitute a failure to comply with the conditions of the license. Accordingly, Smt. Anupamaa Balasaheb Patil, Assistant Commissioner (Food), issued an order of immediate suspension under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Regulation 2.1.8(4) of the Licensing and Registration Regulations, 2011," FDA Maharashtra, Mumbai Division said in a statement.

As per the statement, the suspension remains effective until the establishment achieves full compliance and receives approval from the licensing authority.

The FDA Maharashtra assured the public that continues to uphold its commitment to ensuring public health through strict and transparent enforcement of food safety regulations.

Faced with the suspension order, Zepto released a statement and said they 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. We are taking all necessary corrective measures to resume operations in accordance with regulatory obligations and applicable laws as soon as possible. We have already initiated an internal review and are working closely with the concerned authorities to ensure full and swift compliance," the Zepto statement read.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is shocking! We pay premium prices for quick delivery but get unhygienic food? 😡 FDA did the right thing by suspending license. Hope other quick-commerce companies learn from this and maintain proper standards.
P
Priya M.
As a regular Zepto customer, this makes me question all my past orders. Fungal growth and expired products? Disgusting! They should compensate customers who might have consumed unsafe food. Time to switch to local kirana stores maybe?
A
Amit S.
While violations are serious, let's not forget Zepto provides employment to many. Hope they fix issues quickly. Our cities need both hygiene AND jobs. FDA should conduct surprise checks at all food businesses, not just startups.
N
Neha T.
This is why I never order perishables from quick commerce apps. They focus only on speed, not quality. Kudos to FDA for taking action! 👏 We need more such inspections across Maharashtra.
S
Sanjay P.
The conditions described sound like typical Dharavi godowns. Maybe FDA should check all food businesses operating from that area. Zepto is just the tip of the iceberg. Our food safety standards need complete overhaul.
M
Meena R.
As a nutritionist, this worries me deeply. Many young professionals rely on these apps for daily groceries. Hope Zepto fixes issues properly, not just for show. Health should never be compromised for convenience or profits.

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