Zepto’s Food License Revoked in Dharavi After FDA Inspection

Zepto’s food license was revoked by the Maharashtra FDA on Sunday, June 1st, due to non-compliance with Food Safety Standards, according to The Mint. This move came after the regulatory body conducted an inspection and discovered that the store was operating without the proper approvals required for food safety and hygiene.

As per the report, the food safety agency observed fungal growth on some food items, poor cold storage temperature management, and a lack of clear separation between expired and non-expired products during a recent inspection.

According to officials, Zepto had not obtained a valid food license for one of its kitchens in the area. As a result, the FDA ordered the immediate suspension of operations at that location. The store, often used to fulfill quick delivery orders, was reportedly found in violation of basic food safety norms.

Dharavi kitchen compliance issue raises serious questions

The action was triggered by growing concerns over food quality and storage practices in fast delivery kitchens. The Dharavi kitchen compliance issue isn’t an isolated case but highlights the broader challenge that quick commerce firms face in maintaining high safety standards while scaling rapidly.

FDA authorities stated that such businesses need to adhere strictly to the Food Safety and Standards Act, even if they only store packaged goods or pre-prepared food items. In this case, Zepto was allegedly operating without a license, which is mandatory for any food-related business.

The FDA’s action on Zepto comes at a time when the company is expanding aggressively across cities and relying heavily on “dark stores” to meet ultra-fast delivery promises. The inspection was led by the FDA Minister of Maharashtra, Yogen Kadam.

It was found by the news portal, quoting official authorities, that Kiranakart Technologies, the operator of Zepto, had violated the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

Maharashtra FDA said in a statement cited in the news report, “The findings constitute a failure to comply with the conditions of the licence. Accordingly, Anupamaa Balasaheb Patil, assistant commissioner (food), ordered an immediate suspension under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Regulation 2.1.8(4) of the Licensing and Registration Regulations, 2011.”

What does this mean for Zepto

The Maharashtra FDA’s action is a reminder that even tech-driven delivery startups must prioritize basic regulations. Quick commerce firms like Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart are rapidly setting up storage hubs in urban areas to meet the demand for instant deliveries. However, authorities have clarified that speed cannot come at the cost of consumer safety.

Zepto’s spokesperson said, “We are committed to rectifying the lapses identified and strengthening our processes to provide the best and safest quality of products to our consumers. We are taking all necessary corrective measures to resume operations in accordance with regulatory obligations and applicable laws at the earliest. At Zepto, maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene is non-negotiable. We have already initiated an internal review and are working closely with the concerned authorities to ensure full and swift compliance.”