Why Did the FDA Shut Down Zepto’s Food Facility in Dharavi?

Mumbai, June 1 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked the food business license of Zepto’s facility located in Dharavi following an unannounced inspection that uncovered numerous serious breaches of food safety regulations.

This action is part of a broader initiative targeting Zepto's operations within Mumbai. FDA officials stated that the inspection at the Dharavi site uncovered unsatisfactory hygiene and unsafe food storage practices.

Several food items were discovered with fungal growth, while others were improperly stored near stagnant water. The cold storage units failed to maintain the necessary temperature, and the floors were dirty and wet.

Inspectors also identified expired food products that were not adequately separated from fresh stock. This inspection was prompted by a tip-off from the Minister of State for FDA, Yogesh Kadam.

In response to these findings, Assistant Commissioner of Food, Anupamaa Balasaheb Patil, mandated the suspension of the facility’s license under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.

This suspension will persist until Zepto rectifies all issues and secures clearance from the licensing authority.

Zepto, a rapidly expanding quick commerce company, has also undergone inspections at its facilities in Bhiwandi, Bandra East, and Borivali.

While licenses at Bhiwandi and Bandra East were not revoked, notices were issued for infractions.

In Borivali, the license faced temporary suspension, but operations resumed after the company implemented corrective actions approved by the appellate authority.

A spokesperson for Zepto stated: "Upholding the highest standards of food safety and hygiene is essential. We have initiated an internal review and are collaborating with authorities to swiftly address these issues."

This incident is not Zepto’s first controversy. The company has recently faced backlash from customers over alleged hikes in delivery charges and misleading practices on its app.

Social media has witnessed a surge in complaints from users expressing dissatisfaction with the service.

Zepto’s CEO, Aadit Palicha, has also recently made headlines, accusing the CFO of a competing firm of disseminating false information and funding bots to tarnish Zepto’s reputation.

Additionally, Zepto’s Rural Mobilisation Programme is under scrutiny. The Rajdhani App Workers Union has accused the company’s hiring partners of unfairly reducing wages for delivery agents from smaller towns and placing them in poor living conditions.