India's Food Regulator Issues Nine Notices to Swiggy Instamart

India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart, citing consumer complaints of alleged delivery of expired, spoiled, and contaminated food products. The complaints also raised concerns about food safety compliance, licensing, and grievance redressal on the quick commerce platform, the FSSAI stated in a post on X.

The notices detailed several specific allegations. One instance involved eggs sold under the "NOICE" brand, which were allegedly marketed under a name not covered by the existing FSSAI license. Other complaints reported the delivery of Healthify 100% whey protein and NOICE homestyle Madras mixture past their expiry dates. Additionally, consumers reported receiving Akshayakalpa Organic Eggs and Kakke da Paratha in a rotten or spoiled condition with foul odors.

The FSSAI also flagged issues related to incorrect or invalid license numbers and discrepancies between listed food business names and their regulatory registrations. The regulator noted that several complaints were not adequately addressed, with some consumers allegedly offered refunds without resolution of the underlying food safety concern. Potential gaps in seller onboarding, quality monitoring, and overall food safety controls were also identified.

Swiggy Instamart has been asked to provide a detailed explanation, supported by documentary evidence, regarding the alleged violations and the circumstances leading to these incidents. They are also required to submit information on their quality assurance, food safety monitoring, inventory management, and corrective measures. Failure to comply could result in action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

This development follows a separate prohibition order issued by the FSSAI to Swiggy concerning its Toing platform. Swiggy clarified that this matter was related to license particulars and did not involve food safety concerns, and has since received a modified license.