Mumbai: Quick-commerce platform Zepto is under regulatory fire after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the food business license of its parent company, Kiranakart Technologies Pvt. Ltd., citing serious lapses in hygiene and safety at its Dharavi warehouse.
The suspension came following a surprise inspection on May 31, led by Food Safety Officer Ram Bodke, under the direction of Minister of State for FDA Yogesh Kadam and supervision of Joint Commissioner (Food) Mangesh Mane. Officials found expired food items, visible fungal growth, unhygienic cold storage conditions, and goods stored amid stagnant water—issues described as “gross non-compliance” with food safety norms.
As per the FDA report, the facility’s floors were dirty and wet, food products were lying directly on the ground, and cold storage units were not operating at the required temperatures. The report further highlighted that spoiled items were mixed with fresh stock, posing a “clear risk to public health.”
In response, Zepto released a statement acknowledging the infractions and vowed to take corrective measures immediately. “We are committed to rectifying the lapses identified and strengthening our processes to provide the best and safest quality of products to our consumers,” the company said.
Zepto also stated that it has launched an internal audit and is coordinating with regulatory authorities to ensure full compliance and resume operations swiftly.
