Significant Update

A BigBasket warehouse in Hyderabad has come under scrutiny after food safety officials uncovered multiple violations during a recent inspection. The Flying Squad of the Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana, carried out the inspection on April 18, 2026, at the facility operated by M/s Supermarket Grocery Stores Supplies Pvt Ltd. Officials described the findings as serious and confirmed that they have initiated regulatory action.

Licensing and Transport Violations

To begin with, inspectors found a key licensing lapse. Although the warehouse operated 22 transport vehicles, its licence did not include “Transport” under the Kind of Business (KoB), making it non-compliant with food safety regulations. In addition, several delivery vehicles were in poor condition—rusty, unhygienic, and not maintained according to prescribed transport standards. These lapses raised concerns about the safety of food during distribution.

Poor Hygiene Inside the Facility

Moreover, the inspection revealed unsanitary conditions within the warehouse. Officials reported pigeon droppings and cobwebs across the premises, indicating poor maintenance. At the same time, they observed unclean vegetables and unsafe handling practices, both of which increase the risk of contamination. Given that such facilities handle large volumes of food, officials stressed the need for strict hygiene protocols, especially when supplying to platforms that serve lakhs of consumers.

Samples Collected for Testing

Meanwhile, authorities collected samples of chicken and fish due to suspected contamination or adulteration and sent them for laboratory analysis. In addition, they lifted a sample of institutional tamarind packed by M/s Raja Rajeshwari Food Processors after noticing signs of label tampering, which raised concerns about possible expiry and relabelling.

Ongoing Regulatory Action

Currently, officials are reviewing licensing documents, transport practices, and supplier records as part of routine enforcement. They have stated that further action will depend on the laboratory results and follow-up inspections. So far, BigBasket has not issued an official response.

Emphasis on End-to-End Food Safety

Overall, authorities have reiterated that food businesses—including warehouses and aggregators—must maintain safety standards at every stage. From storage and handling to transportation and delivery, each step plays a critical role in ensuring that food reaches consumers safely.

Source: NDTV