Dirty floors, fungus on food: FDA suspends Zepto's Dharavi licence
The suspension remains effective until the establishment achieves full compliance and receives approval from the licencing authority
The Maharashtra state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority has suspended the food business licence of Zepto, an online grocery delivery platform, after conducting an inspection at its facility in Dharavi, Mumbai.
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The agency’s inspection unearthed serious non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, according to the FDA.
Unhygienic storage
The agency noted that fungal growth in certain food articles was observed, and storage of products near clogged/stagnant water, indicating poor hygiene was seen. Moreover, cold storage temperatures were not maintained as per regulatory standards.
Wet and filthy floors, with food items stored in a disorganised and unhygienic manner, were seen and even expired food products were not clearly separated from non-expired stock.
The inspection was conducted on Saturday (May 31) based on information received from Maharashtra minister Yogesh Kadam. The regulatory body said that the findings constitute a failure to comply with the conditions of the licence.
The suspension remains effective until the establishment achieves full compliance and receives approval from the licencing authority.
Zepto’s defence
Meanwhile, Zepto, in a statement, 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.
Mired in rows
Zepto has been reeling under several controversies over the last few months. Many users have taken to social media platforms to vent their ire over Zepto reportedly using dark patterns and hiking charges.
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Zepto’s CEO Aadit Palicha was also hogging the limelight recently for alleging that a chief financial officer (CFO) of a rival firm is running a smear campaign by making allegations against the company, giving out false numbers on Zepto, and paying bots to spread negative narratives.
Zepto’s Rural Mobilisation Program also came under fire recently, after the labour union alleged that the recruitment agencies affiliated with the company are unfairly cutting the earnings of delivery agents recruited from small towns.