The Karnataka Food Safety Department conducted a large-scale inspection drive across Bengaluru on June 12 and 13 to strengthen compliance with food safety regulations among businesses linked to e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms.

The two-day operation covered food businesses associated with major online delivery networks, including Blinkit, Amazon, Zepto, Flipkart, and other digital marketplaces. To support the enforcement drive, the department deployed Food Safety Officers from multiple districts to inspect food storage facilities, distribution centres, and food business operators across the city.

Inspection Drive Uncovers Violations

Officials inspected 236 of the 266 units identified for verification, while 30 establishments were found closed or operating from untraceable locations.

The inspections resulted in 44 cases being registered for violations such as the sale of expired food products and misbranding. Authorities also issued 65 notices to Food Business Operators (FBOs) for various non-compliance issues. During the drive, officials seized expired food products worth ₹2.35 lakh and collected ₹1.97 lakh through penalties and challans.

The department assessed compliance with licensing requirements, hygiene practices, storage conditions, labelling norms, and traceability systems, while initiating action against businesses that failed to meet regulatory standards.

Increased Focus on Online Food Supply Chains

According to the department, the rapid growth of e-commerce and quick-commerce food delivery services has heightened the need for stronger regulatory oversight. Officials said regular inspections are essential to ensure that food products moving through online supply chains remain safe, traceable, and compliant with food safety regulations.

Department Plans Continued Enforcement

The Karnataka Food Safety Department said it will continue conducting similar inspection drives across the state to strengthen enforcement and improve accountability within the online food delivery ecosystem.

Officials reiterated that consumer safety remains a top priority and urged food business operators to maintain high standards of hygiene, storage, labelling, and product quality. They added that ongoing inspections and strict enforcement measures will play a key role in safeguarding consumers as online food ordering continues to expand.

Source: Deccan Herald