Govt to Increase Checks on Quick Commerce Dark Stores Amid Hygiene Issues

With the quick commerce sector booming across India, concerns are now being raised about the cleanliness and safety of the storage hubs that power these fast deliveries. In response to increasing reports of dark store hygiene Issues, the government is planning to tighten inspections and enforce stricter norms across dark stores used by quick delivery platforms, according to Business Standard.

These dark stores are small warehouses stocked with groceries, snacks, and ready-to-eat items and hidden from public view. They play a key role in enabling delivery within 10 to 30 minutes. However, recent findings have highlighted hygiene lapses in some of these spaces, raising consumer health concerns in q-commerce.

A senior government official said, “It’s a work in progress… the government has been receiving several complaints from consumers as well as retailers and vendors.”

Govt Steps In with Stricter Inspections

To address these growing concerns, officials have confirmed that dark store inspections will soon be ramped up. These checks will focus on food storage conditions, shelf life of items, cleanliness of the premises, and how well the stores comply with basic food safety standards. With recent Zepto’s food license being revoked due to issues in the dark stores, these inspections will become more frequent and stricter.

Several states have already started reviewing these dark stores more frequently, especially those operated by leading quick commerce apps. This is part of a broader move to ensure that companies follow guidelines and don’t compromise on hygiene in their rush to meet delivery speed promises.

Formulating a New Policy for Quick Delivery Sector

As part of its efforts, the government is also working on a new policy on quick delivery services. This policy aims to lay down clear hygiene and safety requirements that Swiggy Instamart, Zepto and Blinkit must meet before operating dark stores. It may also include licensing conditions, periodic audits, and penalties for non-compliance.

The move is expected to bring more transparency and accountability to the fast-growing sector. It’s not just about faster service anymore consumers are becoming more aware of what happens behind the scenes and how their food is stored before it reaches their doorstep.

Ensuring Food Safety in Quick Delivery Apps

The spotlight is now firmly on the food safety that the quick delivery apps must guarantee. With food items often stored for hours or days in these dark stores, any lapse in cleanliness could lead to health risks. Spoiled goods, pest infestations, and poor temperature control are some of the key issues being flagged by officials and consumer rights groups.

To win back trust, many companies are now investing in better storage equipment and employee training. They’re also beginning to allow third-party audits of their warehouses, especially in urban areas where the volume of orders is highest.

As the quick commerce industry continues to grow, so does the responsibility to maintain hygiene and safety standards. The government’s plan to increase oversight and regulate dark stores is a timely step toward protecting consumers. Addressing dark store hygiene issues is no longer optional, it’s essential for the long-term credibility and success of the q-commerce model.