Officials claimed that expired food items were being stored alongside fresh stock, without adequate segregation.
New Delhi: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reportedly suspended the food business licence of quick commerce platform Zepto’s distribution facility in Dharavi, Mumbai, following a surprise inspection that revealed serious violations of food safety regulations.
According to media reports, the inspection was carried out on Saturday by food safety officer Ram Bodke under the directive of the FDA Minister of State, Yogesh Kadam and supervision of the Joint Commissioner Mangesh Mane. The findings included visible fungal growth on food products, stagnant water near storage areas, and unclean conditions such as wet floors and improper food storage practices.
Officials claimed that expired food items were being stored alongside fresh stock, without adequate segregation. Additionally, the facility allegedly failed to maintain prescribed cold storage temperatures, and food items were stored directly on the floor in some cases.
In response, Assistant Commissioner (Food) Anupamaa Balasaheb Patil issued a suspension order under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the relevant licensing regulations. The order prohibits the facility from resuming operations until it secures clearance from the licensing authority after demonstrating full compliance.
A formal response from Zepto or its parent company, Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd, is awaited at the time of reporting.
FDA Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar was quoted as saying that the action forms part of a broader initiative to enforce food safety and protect public health: “Public health cannot be compromised. We are committed to strict and transparent enforcement.”
The FDA will reportedly conduct a follow-up inspection, and the suspension will remain in effect until the facility is deemed compliant and receives official approval to operate again.
