Report

The Maharashtra government will soon introduce toll-free numbers for consumers to directly report complaints against food e-commerce platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto.

Raids Reveal Shocking Practices

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) minister Narhari Zirwal stated that officials have already conducted multiple inspections of companies such as Zepto, Swiggy, and Zomato across the state. Inspectors checked 43 e-commerce establishments and warehouses, finding several that stored expired food items and maintained unhygienic conditions. The state FDA issued notices to 34 establishments, ordered five to shut down, and suspended one license. Officials also announced plans to intensify inspections of food e-commerce company warehouses.

Zepto in the Spotlight

On May 31, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration raided a Zepto dark store in Dharavi, Mumbai. Inspectors reported substandard, unhygienic storage conditions and discovered multiple expired food products. The FDA suspended the warehouse’s license, later revoking the suspension after Zepto submitted a compliance report and passed a follow-up inspection.

Tougher Oversight Ahead

Since the Dharavi raid, officials have carried out several inspections at other food e-commerce warehouses throughout Maharashtra. Zirwal clarified that while these companies hold central licences, the state government regulates their warehouses, and the state FDA will continue to step up its inspections.

Source: CNBCTV 18