Key Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued nine show-cause notices to Swiggy Instamart after receiving multiple consumer complaints alleging the delivery of expired, spoiled, contaminated and unsafe food products through the quick-commerce platform.

According to the regulator, the complaints indicate possible violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including the sale of expired food, improper storage and handling, inaccurate licensing information, and inadequate consumer grievance redressal.

Expired and Unsafe Products Flagged

FSSAI cited several complaints involving expired and contaminated food products delivered through the platform. In one notice, the regulator stated that Swiggy Instamart marketed NOICE Eggs under a product category not covered by the company’s existing FSSAI licence. FSSAI directed the food business operator (FBO) to stop selling the product until it obtains the appropriate licence coverage and, if necessary, apply for a licence modification.

The regulator also cited complaints that consumers received Healthify 100% Whey Protein (1 kg) and Noice Homestyle Madras Mixture with Peanuts after their expiry dates. In another case, consumers reported receiving expired and rotten Akshayakalpa Organic Eggs with a foul odour and visible signs of contamination. They also alleged that the platform failed to take corrective action despite repeated escalations.

FSSAI further cited a complaint involving a Kakke Da Paratha product that consumers reported as spoiled, foul-smelling, and unfit for consumption.

Infant Formula Among Products Under Scrutiny

FSSAI also highlighted a complaint involving an infant food formula that consumers allegedly received in a deteriorated and unsafe condition, with signs of contamination and improper storage. According to the regulator, the platform reportedly supplied the same product again even after the consumer returned the defective item.

The regulator also cited additional complaints involving contaminated eggs and milk, along with damaged packaged food products delivered through the platform.

Regulator Raises Licensing and Compliance Concerns

Beyond the individual complaints, FSSAI questioned Swiggy Instamart’s compliance practices. The regulator raised concerns about the use of incorrect, invalid or non-existent FSSAI licence numbers and alleged that some food businesses operated under names different from those registered with the regulator.

FSSAI also identified potential gaps in seller onboarding, compliance verification, product traceability, food quality monitoring and oversight of food business operations. In addition, the regulator noted that some consumers expressed dissatisfaction with the platform’s grievance redressal process. In one case, the platform reportedly issued only a refund without addressing the underlying food safety concern.

FSSAI Seeks Corrective Action

FSSAI has directed the food business operator to submit a detailed explanation, supported by documentary evidence, addressing each of the alleged violations. The regulator has also requested details of the company’s quality assurance systems, inventory management, stock rotation practices, hygiene standards, storage and handling procedures, food safety monitoring, and internal control mechanisms.

In addition, FSSAI has instructed Swiggy Instamart to submit a report detailing its Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), root cause analysis, consumer grievance redressal measures, and steps taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. FSSAI warned that if the company fails to submit the required compliance report within the stipulated timeline, the regulator may initiate appropriate legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Source: India Today