Report

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food safety license of Zepto Warehouse in Dharavi in Mumbai after inspectors uncovered multiple food safety violations during a surprise visit.

Expired Goods and Fungal Contamination Detected

FDA officials discovered that the facility stored expired food items alongside fresh stock and placed products directly on damp, unhygienic floors. They found fungal growth on consumables and goods stored near stagnant water. The team also noted that the facility failed to maintain proper temperatures in cold storage units. “The facility operated in unhygienic conditions and kept expired products on site, which we have since destroyed,” said Anupamaa Patil, Assistant Commissioner (Food), as quoted by the media.

Operations Suspended Until Violations Are Fixed

Joint Commissioner (Food) Mangesh Mane stated, “We will keep the warehouse shut until Zepto resolves all violations.” He confirmed that the FDA will inspect other Zepto facilities and similar quick-commerce storage hubs. In response to the suspension, Zepto has launched an internal audit and is coordinating with authorities. A company spokesperson said, “We are working closely with officials to ensure full compliance and implementing corrective measures to resume operations lawfully.” The FDA made it clear that it will not reinstate the license until Zepto fully meets food safety standards.

Previous FDA Action on Online Platforms

In January, the FDA also inspected Foclo Technologies (Thane), Bhagwati Stores (Kandivli), and Scootsy (Swiggy Logistics, Malad) for allegedly selling medicines without proper licenses via online delivery platforms.

Source: The Times of India