‘Conduct routine hygiene inspection across stores’: Zepto on notice issued by Food safety officials
Dark stores of instant grocery delivery platforms have come under scrutiny over the past few days regarding hygiene concerns. In response to the notices issued by the Food Safety Regulation Department in Bengaluru, Zepto released a statement on its stance on the recent notice.
“Routine food safety inspections are conducted by authorities across the country as part of their regular oversight. We have fully cooperated with the authorities during the inspection, taken note of the observations and suggestions shared, and are taking the necessary steps to address them. We remain committed to continuously strengthening our processes and maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene,” a Zepto spokesperson said.
A special inspection revealed food safety violations, including non-compliant labelling, misbranding, unhygienic food handling and storage conditions, and other violations of FSSAI requirements, the department said.The warehouse has been sealed, and a notice has been issued to the facility. Authorities have also recommended that a case be filed against it. “Strict legal action will be taken against food business operators found violating food safety regulations. The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department will continue to undertake such special inspection drives to ensure that the public has access to safe, quality and hygienic food,” the notice read.
During the raid, authorities found organic waste, discarded paper and plastic waste, accumulated filth on the floor and empty cardboard boxes; describing the sight as extremely unhygienic.
The Food Safety Division of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, along with the Health and Family Welfare Department, conducted a special inspection drive at the Zepto warehouse unit located in Bengaluru Rural district’s Hoskote taluk.The drive was carried out to inspect the quality, storage, safety and handling practices of food products at the facility.
Earlier this week, unhygienic conditions were also reported at several top restaurants across the state. The establishments were issued notices and sealed pending further inquiry.