The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken strict action against a Zepto-run warehouse located in Dharavi, Mumbai, suspending its licence after uncovering multiple serious breaches of food safety norms. What did the inspection reveal? Officials discovered food items contaminated with fungal growth, products stored dangerously close to stagnant water, expired stock mixed with fresh inventory, and goods placed directly on wet, unclean floors. Furthermore, cold storage units failed to meet the mandated hygiene and quality standards.
Anupama Patil, assistant commissioner (Food), confirmed that the expired goods found were immediately destroyed following the inspection.
The warehouse will remain shut until Zepto addresses all the violations and ensures full compliance with food safety regulations. “The warehouse will remain closed until Zepto clears all violations and follows proper food safety rules,” stated Joint Commissioner (Food) Mangesh Mane. He also added that further inspections will be conducted at other Zepto facilities and across similar quick-commerce platforms to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols.
Responding to these developments, Zepto has initiated an internal probe. A company representative shared, “We are working closely with the authorities and taking corrective steps to meet all legal requirements,” signaling their commitment to resolve the issues at hand.
This incident is not isolated. Earlier this year, in January, the FDA conducted raids on three other firms — Foclo Technologies in Thane, Bhagwati Stores in Kandivli, and Scootsy in Malad — for allegedly selling medicines online without the necessary licences.
The recent findings at Zepto’s warehouse bring into sharp focus the urgent need for stringent checks and responsible practices in the burgeoning quick-commerce sector, where the race to deliver convenience must never come at the cost of public health.
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