Trouble for Aadit Palicha escalates as Maharashtra FDA revokes Zepto's food permit in Mumbai's Dharavi due to...
Scuttle butt on Zepto's Woes
Quick commerce titan Zepto has found itself in hot water. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has pulled the plug on Zepto's Dharavi warehouse's food business license, due to some serious breaches in hygiene and food standards.
Written by: Vanshika TyagiLast Updated: June 2, 2025, 06:45 AM IST
Quick commerce powerhouse Zepto is in deep trouble after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked the food business license of its Dharavi warehouse. An FDA inspection uncovered several hygiene and food standard issues, such as fungal growth on certain food items, expired products mixed with the fresh ones, and unclean storage facilities.
On the Radar Now
The FDA took action following allegations of food safety violations. Inspections are now underway at other Zepto warehouses, including those in Borivali and Bhiwandi.
Zepto's Take
After the suspension, Zepto released a statement emphasizing their unwavering commitment to food safety and hygiene. They announced an internal investigation and said they're working closely with the FDA to ensure full and immediate compliance. They vowed to rectify the lapses and improve their processes to guarantee their consumers the best and safest quality products.
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Where Things Stand Now and Zepto's Response
The Lowdown
Zepto, a quick-commerce firm, stumbled into regulatory woes in early June 2025 when the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended its Dharavi facility's food business license due to significant food safety violations. The violations encompassed contaminated and expired food items, poor hygiene conditions, and inadequate storage practices[1][2][3].
Zepto's Actions to Correct Mistakes
Post the suspension, Zepto took several steps to rectify the issues:
- Internal Probe and Compliance Report: Zepto conducted an internal investigation and submitted a compliance report detailing the improvements made, including photographic evidence and water quality test results[4].
- Re-inspection and Clearance: Following submission of the compliance report, the Maharashtra FDA re-inspected the facility. Consequently, the suspension was reversed, enabling Zepto to reopen its Dharavi dark store[4].
The Aftermath
- Regulatory Scrutiny: The FDA's actions against Zepto have triggered increased scrutiny of all quick-commerce firms operating in Maharashtra, including Blinkit and Instamart, with plans to inspect all such facilities[2][4].
- Reopening of Dharavi Facility: Zepto has received permission to reopen its Dharavi facility, signaling a positive step towards addressing past lapses[4].
In essence, Zepto has taken corrective measures to tackle food safety violations, and regulatory clearance has been granted to reopen its Dharavi facility. However, the quick-commerce sector continues to face scrutiny regarding the adherence to food safety regulations.
- The revocation of Zepto's food business license in Dharavi, Mumbai, has elevated quick commerce giant Zepto to a center of attention, with investigations currently underway at other warehouses in Borivali and Bhiwandi.
- In response to the alleged food safety violations, Zepto's Dharavi facility was found to have issues such as fungal growth on certain food items, expired products mixed with fresh ones, and unclean storage facilities.
- Striving to maintain their commitment to food safety and hygiene, Zepto announced an internal investigation and stated they are collaborating closely with the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure immediate and complete compliance.
- Amidst this upheaval in the quick commerce sector, DNA News encourages its readers to stay informed through their What's App service for the latest updates on Zepto, Dharavi, and other related developments.
- The regulatory actions against Zepto raise questions about the general news, policy, and legislation surrounding the quick commerce industry, especially in the realm of food and drink safety.
- By focusing on healthy cooking, nutrition, and fitness-and-exercise, and adopting a lifestyle centered on health-and-wellness, Zepto can restore consumer trust and further cement its position in the competitive quick commerce market.
- Bollywood, cricket, and other popular cultural aspects of India remain untouched by the controversy surrounding Zepto, creating a stark contrast between the nation's vibrant entertainment sector and the challenges faced by the quick commerce industry in terms of food safety and hygiene.
