Mumbai: FDA Shuts Down Zepto’s Dharavi Facility Over Severe Food Safety Violations

Mumbai, 2nd June 2025: Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked the food business license of Zepto’s Dharavi-based facility after an inspection revealed grave breaches of hygiene and food safety standards. The move follows a tip-off received by Minister of State for FDA Yogesh Kadam, prompting officials to conduct a thorough site inspection.

The inspection uncovered several alarming violations, including fungal growth on food items, unsanitary wet floors, storage units located near stagnant water, and malfunctioning cold storage units unable to maintain required temperatures. Additionally, expired food products were found improperly stored alongside fresh inventory, posing a direct risk to consumer health.

“The inspection at the Dharavi location revealed poor hygiene and unsafe food storage conditions,” FDA officials said. In response to these findings, Assistant Commissioner of Food Anupamaa Balasaheb Patil ordered the facility’s license be revoked under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The cancellation will remain in effect until the company rectifies the violations and receives clearance from the regulatory body.

Zepto, a fast-growing player in the quick commerce space, now faces scrutiny at several other locations across Mumbai. Storage hubs in Bhiwandi, Bandra East, and Borivali have also been inspected. While operations at Bhiwandi and Bandra East continue under notice for rule violations, Borivali’s license was briefly suspended and later reinstated following corrective action and approval by the FDA’s appellate authority.

In a statement, a Zepto spokesperson affirmed the company’s commitment to safety: “Maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene is non-negotiable. We have already started an internal review and are working with authorities to fix the issues quickly.”

This development comes on the heels of another operational shake-up. Just last month, Zepto temporarily paused its 10-minute food delivery service, Zepto Cafe, across several cities in North India due to reported supply chain issues. The move has affected around 44 outlets and impacted approximately 700 gig workers associated with the service.