The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has canceled the food business licence of Zepto Private Limited after finding spoiled products, fungal outgrowth, and unhygienic surroundings in a recent inspection of the company’s warehouse in Dharavi.
Fungal Contamination, Expired Items Found During Inspection
FDA officials revealed shocking non-compliance under the Food Safety and Standards Act, such as fungal growth on food products, food items kept close to stagnant water, and deviation from cold storage temperature norms. Floors were damp and dirty, and food products were in disarray, with some stacked directly on the ground. Officials also identified expired products kept along with fresh products.
Zepto Vows Immediate Compliance and Internal Audit
Responding to the FDA action, Zepto issued a formal statement assuring complete cooperation with the authorities and prompt corrective actions.
“At Zepto, upholding the highest levels of food safety and hygiene is not negotiable. We have already initiated an internal review and are working closely with the concerned authorities to ensure full and prompt compliance.”. We are committed to correcting the lapses observed and enhancing our processes so that we can offer the finest and safest quality of products to our consumers. We are implementing all the required corrective actions in order to restart operations as per regulatory requirements and applicable laws at the earliest,” the company stated.
Controversies Mount as Previous Complaints Surface
Zepto has come under criticism recently, as videos have been shared revealing unhygienic conditions at a number of its warehouses. The videos have gone viral, displaying the same unsanitary conditions at other centers in Mumbai.
Minister of State Confirms Severe Violations
Minister of State for Food and Drug Administration Yogesh Kadam confirmed the warehouse was functioning in contravention of safety standards. The FDA’s inspection showed serious irregularities, including:
- Fungal growth on certain food items
- Stagnant water around stored commodities
- Poor cold storage handling
- Cluttered storage with products on damp floors
- Commixture of expired and fresh inventory
Concerns Rise Over Speedy Delivery Culture
Zepto, with its 10-minute grocery delivery guarantee, is one of a number of speed-commerce platforms being questioned over the sacrifice of food safety for quickness. The recent revelations have raised alarm
