Quick commerce platforms Zepto and Blinkit face regulatory action over food safety violations

Indian quick commerce platforms Zepto and Blinkit have faced regulatory actions due to violations of food safety regulations. Karnataka's Food Safety and Drug Administration sealed a Zepto warehouse in Bengaluru on Tuesday over "unhygienic" conditions in food handling and storage. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the license of a Blinkit facility in Malad has been suspended after Maharashtra Food Safety and Drug Administration officials found serious food safety and hygiene violations.

In the Bengaluru Zepto case, officials inspected a warehouse operated in partnership with Nippon Express in Hoskote. The inspection revealed multiple statutory violations, including unhygienic food conditions, improper labeling, misbranding, and breaches in food handling and storage practices. In accordance with FSSAI regulations, the premises were immediately sealed. Zepto also received a notice and recommendation for further legal action.

For Blinkit's facility in Malad, Mumbai, "extremely unhygienic" conditions were discovered, along with improperly stored food, inadequate cleanliness in the cold storage, and expired, damaged, or tampered packaged goods. Cockroaches were found in the fruit and vegetable storage area, posing a risk of food contamination. Deficiencies in inventory management practices, including violations of First-In, First-Out (FIFO) and First-Expired, First-Out (FEFO) principles, as well as insufficient pest control and waste management, were also noted.

A spokesperson for Zepto stated the company is cooperating with authorities and taking necessary steps based on the observations. This is not the first instance of Zepto facing regulatory scrutiny over food safety. Earlier this year, the FSSAI issued two notices to Blinkit regarding consumer complaints about spoiled food. Last year, Maharashtra FDA had previously revoked the food business license of a Blinkit delivery point in Pune.