Indian food authority issues nine notices to Swiggy Instamart

India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has issued nine official notices to the online grocery delivery service Swiggy Instamart. The notices stem from multiple consumer complaints alleging the delivery of spoiled, rotten, or expired food items.

Particular attention was drawn to two products from Swiggy's own NOICE brand. NOICE eggs were reportedly marketed without a proper license for their product category, and another item, NOICE Homestyle Madras Mixture, was allegedly supplied after its expiry date. FSSAI has directed Swiggy to cease marketing these products unless appropriate licenses are obtained.

The notices issued to Swiggy Instamart address broader violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act 2006), including issues with product quality, licensing, and grievance redressal. Consumers have reported receiving infant food in a deteriorated condition, expired protein powder and other products, and rotten eggs and parathas, among other complaints.

Furthermore, FSSAI has identified gaps in licensing, such as incorrect or missing license numbers. There have also been issues with customer service, with some complaints reportedly receiving no response or adequate action. FSSAI requires Swiggy to submit a detailed explanation and an action plan addressing these identified non-compliances within a specified timeframe.

These events highlight the responsibility of quick commerce platforms for the safety of the products they sell, especially concerning their own private label brands. Swiggy is required to investigate the reasons behind these alleged violations. The regulator warned that failure to submit the report could lead to legal action.