Raising serious concerns over the growing menace of expired and damaged products reaching consumers through quick commerce platforms, a national distributors’ federation has demanded urgent regulatory attention and accountability from FMCG companies.
In a detailed appeal to all fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers, the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) has urged the inclusion of explicit clauses in their contracts that require companies to take back expired or unsellable goods. The body stressed the need for timely reimbursements or product replacements under a transparent, bilateral framework.
Currently, most agreements between distributors and FMCG firms fail to address the issue of compensation for damaged goods, leaving local sellers vulnerable to financial loss and operational confusion.
In a separate representation to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the AICPDF alleged that expired and spoiled products are being stored and sold through quick commerce platforms’ dark stores. They cited alarming cases, including a recent inspection at a Mumbai-based facility of a major platform, where health authorities found improperly stored food items, no ventilation, poor sanitation, and an absence of pest control.
Another disturbing incident was reported from Bengaluru, where expired dairy and personal care products were allegedly found in similar unsanitary storage conditions.
“These environments directly endanger the well-being of consumers,” the federation highlighted in its communication, adding that most FMCG brands avoid responsibility by not incorporating stock collection or disposal clauses in their agreements.
The distributors’ body has further demanded that the government bring all qcom dark stores under regular audits and inspections by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It proposed strict penalties for violations, especially for unhygienic or unlicensed operations.
The AICPDF also called for a meeting with ministry officials to submit further evidence and push for a robust policy mechanism that ensures consumer safety and distributor protection.
Earlier this year, the federation filed a formal complaint with the Competition Commission of India against top qcom players including Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart, accusing them of unfair trade practices, market domination, and discriminatory pricing models.
The Commission has since sought further information from the federation, requesting market share data, evidence of exclusive contracts, and proof of below-cost product listings.
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