Source: Inc42
Mumbai: Zepto, the highly-regarded quick commerce grocery delivery platform, has secured approval from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to resume operations at its warehouse in Dharavi, Mumbai. This was only after being shuttered earlier this month for serious violations of food safety regulations.
In an official statement, Zepto noted that the Dharavi warehouse resumed operations, with the FDA lifting the suspension after a detailed re-inspection and compliance report which noted it made all the necessary changes to operate safely.
“Zepto’s Dharavi store has resumed its operations. Zepto is committed to adhering to all necessary food safety standards prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and applicable regulations,” the company said.
Why Did the Warehouse Get Closed?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended Zepto’s food business license for the warehouse in Dharavi after inspecting it and discovering several problems with food safety. This inspection was conducted on the request of Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration Minister, Yogesh Kadam.
During the inspection:
Some food goods had signs of fungal growth, Decomposed food items had not been removed, Food was stored on dirty damp floors, Cold storage units were malfunctioning. The issues identified were serious threats to public health, and contravened provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, and also the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses)
Regulations, 2011.
Zepto then made an appeal. The hearing was held on June 13th, and after confirming the company had addressed the issues, the FDA lifted the suspension.
Ongoing Collective Action
This case marks one of the initial actions by the FDA [that is tackling the so-called delivery apps in bulk] to monitor many quick-store, or ‘dark’ store warehouses in order to ensure that they conform to mandated conditions of hygiene and safety, Earlier this month another quick-store app, Blinkit, faced a similar suspension of its warehouse in Pune.
What This Means
The reopening of Zepto’s Dharavi facility undoubtedly brings relief to the company and its local customers. But the incident illustrates that all delivery companies must keep their storage facilities clean and safe before accepting goods and delivering them to consumers, food especially.
As quick-commerce grows, these kinds of safety checks will be a part of protecting public health. The Zepto case serves as an exemplar of the increasing need for uncompromised hygiene compliance in quick-commerce. As the sector grows, regular audits and compliance will be needed to protect consumer health and faith.
