The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the license of Zepto in Dharavi after finding issues with the food products, a measure confirmed by the FDA itself. Zepto responded, stating that they have begun a review to maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, and are working with FDA officials to rectify these shortcomings.
Zepto is committed to strengthening its processes to correct identified issues and deliver the best and safest quality products to its consumers. They are undertaking all necessary measures to resume operations in compliance with regulatory obligations and applicable laws at the earliest.
Source: aajtak
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FDA's Statement on License Suspension
The FDA issued a statement regarding the license suspension, indicating that KiranaKart Technologies Private Limited (Zepto) in Mumbai had its food business license immediately suspended. This action followed the orders of the Honorable State Minister for Food and Drug Administration, Yogesh Kadam.
Under the guidance of Joint Commissioner (Food) Mangesh Mane, the company was inspected by food safety officer Ram Bodake. During the inspection, the establishment was found to be in violation of license conditions and key provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Discovered Irregularities During Inspection
- Mold found on some food items.- Products stored near standing water, indicating poor hygiene.- Cold storage temperatures not maintained according to regulatory standards.- Disorderly storage of food items, with some directly on wet and dirty floors.- Expired food products not clearly separated from non-expired stock.
In light of these severe violations, Anupama Balasaheb Patil, Assistant Commissioner (Food) issued an immediate suspension of the food business license under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Regulation 2.1.8(4) of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Source: aajtak
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The suspension remains in effect until full regulatory compliance is achieved and approval is granted by competent authorities. Under the leadership of Rajesh Narvekar, IAS, Food Safety Commissioner, the Food and Drug Administration of Maharashtra is firmly committed to public health protection and strict compliance with food safety regulations.
The FDA, under the directives from the office of the Honorable State Minister Yogesh Kadam, and guided by Joint Commissioner (Food) Mangesh Mane, conducted a surprise inspection on M/s Khushi Trading, located at Gala numbers B19, B21, B22, Kozmanjingi Estate, Ghatkopar (West), Mumbai.
During the inspection, the firm was found in clear violation of Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, operating without a valid FSSAI license. The premises were in a dilapidated state, breaching mandatory standards under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Source: aajtak
Business Activities Continued Despite Notice
There were also suspicions of incorrect branding and inferior quality of food products, violating Sections 26, 27, and 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It was discovered that the food business operator (FBO) was acquiring expired or soon-to-expire food items from various D-Mart outlets, posing serious public health concerns.
In light of these violations, on May 22, 2025, food safety officer Abhinandan Randeve issued a 'Stop Business Activity' notice to M/s Khushi Trading under Regulation 2.1.14(1) of the Licensing Regulations. However, during a surprise inspection by food safety officer Abhinandan Randeve and Assistant Food Commissioner Anupama Balasaheb Patil on May 29, 2025, it was found that commercial operations had resumed despite the official notice requiring business activity cessation.
