New Delhi | The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart following multiple consumer complaints alleging the delivery of rotten eggs, spoiled milk, expired packaged food products and other unsafe food items. The regulator has sought a detailed explanation and compliance report from the company, warning that further regulatory action may follow if an adequate response is not submitted within the stipulated time.
According to FSSAI, one of the most serious complaints involved a baby food product that was allegedly delivered in an unsafe and deteriorated condition due to improper storage. The regulator further stated that after the customer returned the product, the same allegedly defective item was supplied again. Other complaints cited deliveries of spoiled eggs, sour milk and damaged packaged food products.
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The food regulator said its preliminary review also revealed significant deficiencies in Swiggy Instamart’s seller onboarding and verification processes. Several food business operators listed on the platform were allegedly found to have invalid, incorrect or missing FSSAI licence numbers. In addition, some vendors were operating under names that did not match their officially registered FSSAI identities, raising concerns about product traceability and regulatory oversight.
FSSAI also noted that several consumers were dissatisfied with the platform’s grievance redressal process. According to the complaints, serious food safety concerns were allegedly addressed only through refunds without meaningful corrective action. One complainant claimed that instead of investigating the issue, the platform simply refunded the purchase amount and closed the complaint.
The regulator said the notices highlight deficiencies in seller verification, complaint handling mechanisms and overall food safety compliance. It added that the action was initiated based on both consumer complaints and the regulator’s own observations.
Quick commerce platforms such as Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit and Zepto operate through neighbourhood “dark stores” that enable deliveries within 10 to 30 minutes. While the sector has witnessed rapid growth across India, regulators and industry observers have increasingly raised concerns over inventory management, cold-chain maintenance and quality control due to the speed-focused business model.
FSSAI stated that it has recently intensified enforcement against food business operators violating food safety regulations. Besides Swiggy Instamart, the regulator has also issued notices in recent months to several food brands, energy drink manufacturers, liquor companies and other quick-commerce platforms for alleged non-compliance with food safety standards.
Consumers who receive spoiled, expired or unsafe food products can report such incidents through the Food Safety Connect mobile application or the National Consumer Helpline. Food safety experts advise consumers not to rely solely on refunds in such cases, as consumption of contaminated or expired food can pose serious health risks. The matter remains under regulatory review, and any further action will depend on Swiggy Instamart’s response and the findings of FSSAI’s ongoing examination.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
