The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked the food business license of Zepto’s outlet in Dharavi following the discovery of major safety and hygiene violations during an official inspection.
Inspection Finds Food Quality Irregularities at Mumbai Outlet
FDA authorities revealed that the food delivery startup failed to meet the required standards outlined in the Food Safety and Standards Act. Officials cited contaminated raw materials, expired products, and improper storage conditions as key grounds for the license cancellation.
The enforcement action came as part of a broader initiative to inspect food outlets and dark stores operating in urban clusters across the state. According to the FDA, the Dharavi unit of Zepto exhibited repeated non-compliance, posing a public health risk in one of Mumbai’s most densely populated areas.
The administration emphasised that the move was made to ensure consumer safety. “No tolerance will be shown to violations that could harm public health,” a senior FDA officer stated.
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Zepto acknowledged the FDA’s action in a statement and said an internal audit is underway. The company added that it is cooperating fully with authorities and intends to rectify any compliance shortcomings immediately.
The incident raises larger questions about the oversight of app-based food delivery platforms, particularly in underserved or infrastructurally challenged areas like Dharavi. Consumer advocacy groups have also called for more transparency in supply chains used by quick-commerce companies.
Residents in the area expressed concern about the trustworthiness of such platforms. “People rely on them for fast and safe delivery. Incidents like this damage public confidence,” said a local consumer.
Further inspections of Zepto and other quick-commerce firms are expected in the coming weeks. The FDA has encouraged citizens to report any unsafe food handling practices through its grievance channels.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.