Rajasthan's Food Safety and Drug Control Department on Thursday conducted a surprise inspection at a Zepto dark store in Jaipur's Jagatpura, uncovering multiple violations related to storage temperature, hygiene, and food quality. Officials destroyed approximately 1,550 packets of dairy products, 100 kg of damaged food items, and 7 kg of expired products on the spot. The raid was part of the statewide 'Shuddh Aahar – Milawat Par Vaar' (Pure Food – War on Adulteration) campaign being conducted across Rajasthan.

Key findings at the Zepto warehouse

A central team from the Jaipur headquarters inspected the warehouse of M/s J.D.S. Marketing, located in A-Block at Ramnagaria Vistar, Jagatpura. The inspection, carried out in the presence of Joint Commissioner Vijay Prakash Sharma, revealed that prescribed temperature conditions for safe dairy storage were not being maintained. The cold room and deep freezer recorded temperatures ranging between 6°C and 14°C, reportedly well outside safe storage norms.

As a result, around 1,550 packets of milk, curd, and buttermilk — including products from brands such as Saras and Amul — were destroyed on-site. Additionally, approximately 100 kg of damaged food products stored without the mandatory 'Not for Sale' markings were found and destroyed. Officials also discovered around 7 kg of expired food items, including muesli, candy, and bhujia, among products reportedly intended for sale to consumers.

Serious hygiene and sanitation lapses

Beyond temperature and product quality failures, the inspection uncovered alarming sanitation deficiencies. Traces of spit containing paan masala and zarda were found around the dark store and cold room area, while dirt and spit marks were observed on the walls. Several iron racks used for storing food products were found broken, dirty, and rusted — raising questions about how a facility handling an estimated 500 daily orders maintained basic hygiene protocols.

Samples collected and legal action underway

The central team collected samples of Pintola peanut butter and honey in the presence of store manager Kailash Chand Meena. The samples have been sent to the State Central Food Laboratory for analysis. According to officials, if laboratory reports indicate adulteration or non-conformity with prescribed standards, legal action will be initiated against the firm under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Who ordered the inspection

The raid was conducted on the instructions of Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) Gayatri Rathore and under the guidance of Commissioner (Food Safety and Drug Control) Avichal Chaturvedi. Joint Commissioner Vijay Prakash Sharma issued a formal notice to the dark store operator, directing immediate improvements in food storage, temperature control, and sanitation systems.

Wider implications for quick-commerce platforms

The department reiterated that compliance with food safety and hygiene standards is mandatory for all stores and warehouses involved in online food supply and delivery. This is not the first time a quick-commerce dark store has faced regulatory scrutiny in India — similar raids have been reported in other states, raising broader concerns about whether the breakneck pace of 10-minute delivery models is compatible with food safety compliance. The department warned that strict action will be taken against violating establishments, and enforcement drives will continue across Rajasthan under the 'Shuddh Aahar – Milawat Par Vaar' campaign.