The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken serious action against a local outlet of Zepto, one of India’s fastest-growing quick commerce grocery delivery apps. The Dharavi outlet of Zepto had its food licence suspended after an official inspection revealed fungus on food items and stagnant water on the premises. These findings have raised major concerns regarding food safety, public hygiene, and the working conditions of such dark stores, which are typically hidden from public view but are essential to the delivery system.
During the inspection, the FDA officials found fungus growing on food products, including perishable items that were not properly stored. They also observed standing water in several areas, which can lead to mosquito breeding and general contamination. Such violations not only go against the Food Safety and Standards Act but also pose serious health risks to consumers who order groceries via Zepto’s mobile app. The FDA noted that the conditions inside the store were unfit for storing and handling food.
This particular outlet is located in Dharavi, one of Mumbai’s most crowded and busy localities. Because of its central location, the Dharavi Zepto outlet handles a large volume of online orders daily, making this hygiene failure even more alarming. As per FDA rules, all food-handling facilities are required to maintain clean, pest-free environments, ensure proper ventilation, and prevent the growth of fungus and mold. The presence of fungus on edible items is considered a serious violation, as it may contain harmful mycotoxins that cause food poisoning, allergic reactions, and long-term health issues.
In response to these violations, the FDA has suspended the store’s food licence, effectively halting all food-related operations from the Dharavi facility. Zepto has been instructed to submit a detailed compliance report and can only resume services after a fresh inspection confirms full adherence to food safety standards. This suspension means that the store cannot deliver any groceries or food items in the affected region until it passes re-evaluation.
The impact of the licence suspension will be felt by customers in the Dharavi, Sion, Matunga, and nearby areas, who may now experience longer delivery times, order delays, or even order cancellations. Zepto might reroute deliveries from nearby outlets, but this would increase pressure on the rest of their delivery network in Mumbai. Consumers, who have increasingly come to rely on fast delivery services, are now questioning the safety and hygiene of the food they receive through such platforms.
Following the suspension, Zepto issued a public statement saying it was fully cooperating with the FDA. The company assured customers that it had begun a thorough internal investigation and would be retraining staff and upgrading its hygiene protocols across all stores. According to the official statement, Zepto has taken the issue seriously and will not resume operations at the Dharavi outlet until all health and safety standards are met.
Health experts have highlighted the serious consequences of storing food in unhygienic conditions. When fungus is present on food, it can lead to the development of toxic compounds that damage the liver and kidneys. Additionally, stagnant water inside food warehouses can cause bacterial growth and attract pests, which further contaminate the food. In urban India, where millions now depend on online grocery platforms, these issues are particularly concerning.
The FDA has emphasized the need for regular inspections and strict food audits. A spokesperson said that the agency will now be more aggressive in inspecting other dark stores and online delivery warehouses, not just in Mumbai but across Maharashtra. The goal is to ensure that companies like Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and others maintain high standards of cleanliness and food storage.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, food businesses that are found violating storage, cleanliness, and hygiene norms can face temporary or permanent suspension of licences, financial penalties, and even criminal action in extreme cases. The law exists to protect the health of consumers and requires that all food handlers, including dark store operators, maintain strict hygiene practices.
This incident has also caused a stir on social media. Many users have expressed shock and anger upon learning that fungus-infected groceries were being stored in Zepto’s warehouse. Some users questioned whether other Zepto outlets were being properly inspected, while others demanded better transparency from food delivery companies. The trend #ZeptoHygieneFail began circulating on X (formerly Twitter), with users sharing their personal experiences and calling for stricter regulations.
Industry experts believe that the fast-paced growth of 10-minute delivery apps has come at the cost of quality control and hygiene. As companies rush to expand their networks, some may compromise on infrastructure, space, and staffing, which directly affects how food is stored. Experts are now urging all companies in the quick commerce space to prioritize food safety and perform routine health checks at every level of the supply chain.
Zepto, founded in 2021, has grown rapidly and now operates in several major Indian cities. With large funding rounds from global investors, it has positioned itself as a leader in hyper-local grocery delivery. However, incidents like the one in Dharavi can damage its reputation and raise questions about its operational standards.In conclusion, the suspension of Zepto’s Dharavi outlet by the Maharashtra FDA serves as a critical reminder that speed cannot come at the cost of safety. Consumers trust food delivery platforms with their health, and any violation of that trust has serious consequences.
Zepto must now work swiftly to fix the problem, regain public confidence, and set a strong example for food safety and corporate responsibility. The incident also underlines the need for frequent inspections, staff training, pest control, and better infrastructure to support the growing demands of India’s fast delivery ecosystem.
