Mumbai-based fast-food e-commerce company Zepto faced regulatory action after a surprise inspection by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at its Dharavi warehouse. The inspection revealed serious food safety violations. As a result, the warehouse’s operating licence was immediately revoked.
Unhygienic Conditions and Expired Food
Assistant Food Commissioner Anupama Patil reported that the facility was operating in highly unhygienic conditions. Inspectors found:
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Expired food stored alongside other products
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Fungal growth on consumer items
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Stagnant water near storage areas
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Food items placed directly on the ground
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Expired goods kept on a wet floor
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Substandard temperature control units
Patil noted that Zepto had destroyed some of the expired products but significant lapses in food handling and storage remained.
Regulatory Response and Further Inspections
Joint Commissioner (Food) Mangesh Mane stated that Zepto’s warehouse would remain closed until all violations are addressed. He also warned that the FDA will inspect other Zepto warehouses and similar fast-commerce facilities to ensure they comply with food safety norms.
“The facility will remain closed until the violations are resolved,” Mane said. “We will also inspect other warehouses to ensure hygiene and compliance.”
Zepto’s Internal Review and Commitment
A Zepto spokesperson acknowledged the violations and confirmed that the company has launched an internal review. Zepto is working closely with authorities to implement corrective measures. The spokesperson said, “At Zepto, maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene is a top priority. We have initiated an internal review and are actively working with relevant authorities to ensure full compliance.”
Next Steps for Compliance
Until Zepto resolves all identified issues—such as removing expired products, repairing temperature control units, and improving overall hygiene—the Dharavi warehouse will remain closed. Regulators will re-inspect the facility before considering licence restoration. In the meantime, Zepto must demonstrate that it has corrected all food safety breaches to resume operations.
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