Fungus On Packets, Expired Products: Zepto's Warehouse Licence Suspended

Fungal growth on food items, expired products, and unhygienic storage conditions - damp and disorganised - this was the scene the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was welcomed to when it visited Zepto's warehouse in Dharavi, Maharashtra. Witnessing the serious irregularities and non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, the FDA suspended the food business licence of Zepto Private Limited, an online grocery delivery platform.

In a statement, Zepto said an internal review has been initiated and it is committed to providing the safest products to its consumers.

“At Zepto, maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene is non-negotiable. We have already initiated an internal review and are working closely with the concerned authorities to ensure full and swift compliance. We are committed to rectifying the lapses identified, and strengthening our processes to provide the best and safest quality of products to our consumers. We are taking all necessary corrective measures to resume operations in accordance with regulatory obligations and applicable laws at the earliest,” said Zepto in the statement.

Online grocery delivery platforms like Zepto, offering fast delivery, often within 10 minutes, at a tap, have made life easy. However, unhygienic storage conditions at Zepto's Dharavi warehouse have raised questions about product safety and consumer health.

Based on information received from the Minister of State for Food and Drug Administration, Yogesh Kadam, FDA Maharashtra carried out an inspection at Zepto's Dharavi warehouse and found "serious non-compliance", including:

• Fungal growth on certain food articles,
• Products stored near clogged/stagnant water,
• Cold storage temperatures not maintained,
• Wet and filthy floors, with food items stored in a disorganised and unsanitary manner, including directly on the floor,
• Expired food products stored along with non-expired stock.

Zepto has been reeling under multiple controversies for the last few months. Videos from different warehouses across the city shining a spotlight on the filth and storage conditions, have gone viral.