Quick-commerce platforms Zepto and Blinkit have come under scrutiny after food safety authorities took action against their facilities in Bengaluru and Mumbai over alleged hygiene and food-handling violations.
A Zepto warehouse in Hoskote, Bengaluru, was sealed by Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration following an inspection that found unhygienic conditions, improper labelling, misbranding and violations related to food storage and handling.
In Mumbai, authorities suspended the food licence of Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd, which operates Blinkit, at its Malad West facility. Officials reportedly found a large-scale cockroach infestation, improperly stored food and expired or tampered products.
The actions are part of food safety inspections aimed at ensuring that food businesses comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act and related regulations.
Zepto warehouse sealed in Bengaluru
Karnataka food safety officials inspected Zepto’s warehouse at the Nippon Express facility in Hoskote taluk. The inspection covered food quality, safety, storage, labelling and handling practices.
Officials reportedly identified several violations, including unhygienic conditions, improper labelling and misbranding. The department subsequently sealed the warehouse under applicable Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) provisions.
A notice was also issued, with the matter recommended for further legal proceedings before the concerned adjudicating authority.
Zepto said it cooperated with the inspection and was taking steps to address the observations made by officials.
A company spokesperson said the platform remains committed to strengthening its food safety and hygiene processes.
Blinkit facility faces licence suspension in Mumbai
The Maharashtra Food Safety and Drug Administration suspended the licence of Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd for its Malad West facility following an inspection that found serious food safety and hygiene concerns.
According to officials, the facility had a significant cockroach infestation. Food products were also reportedly stored improperly, while expired and tampered items were found during the inspection.
Some food products were allegedly kept on rusted racks, while cold storage areas were found to lack adequate cleanliness. Officials also reported finding expired or spoiled packaged food.
During the suspension period, the facility has been barred from selling or distributing food and from carrying out food-related business activities, according to the authorities.
Indira Canteens also inspected
The Karnataka food safety department also inspected three Indira Canteens located in Gottigere, Singasandra and Lingarajapuram.
Officials found violations related to labelling, misbranding and other food safety requirements. The Gottigere canteen was sealed, while notices were issued to all three outlets.
Samples of pulses, turmeric powder, cooking oil, jaggery, salt, sugar and prepared food were collected and sent to laboratories for testing.
Authorities advised food businesses to maintain proper hygiene and storage conditions, control pest infestations, prevent cross-contamination and dispose of expired food and used cooking oil safely.
Reliance Retail outlet also under scanner
A Reliance Retail outlet in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district also faced scrutiny after a complaint alleging the presence of live larvae in packaged kaju katli.
The outlet, located at ARD Cinemall, was inspected following the complaint. Officials said the specific batch mentioned in the complaint was no longer available when they conducted the inspection.
Authorities collected samples from another batch of the same product and seized 54 boxes from the available stock for further examination.
The sample has been sent to an authorised food laboratory for testing. The source copy appears to contain a likely numerical error, stating that the seized stock was valued at ₹10,238 crore despite weighing only 11.340 kg; this figure should be verified before publication.
