‘Fungal Growth On Food, Expired Items': FDA Suspends Zepto's License In Mumbai's Dharavi
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The FDA stated that the suspension will remain in effect until the establishment achieves full compliance and receives clearance from the licensing authority.
The food business licence of quick-commerce unicorn Zepto in Dharavi, Mumbai, has been suspended by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for non-compliance with food safety standards.
Following the information received from the Minister of State for FDA, Yogen Kadam, an inspection was conducted which revealed several violations. These included fungal growth on certain food items, improper maintenance of cold storage temperatures, inadequate separation of expired and valid stock, food products stored directly on the floor, wet and dirty floors, and the storage of food items near clogged and stagnant water.
According to the FDA, Kiranakart Technologies, the firm operating Zepto, violated the Food Safety and Standards Act (2006) and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
'The findings constitute a failure to comply with the conditions of the licence. Accordingly, Anupamaa Balasaheb Patil, Assistant Commissioner (Food), ordered an immediate suspension under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Regulation 2.1.8(4) of the Licensing and Registration Regulations, 2011," the FDA said in a statement.
The FDA stated that the suspension will remain in effect until the establishment achieves full compliance and receives clearance from the licensing authority.
There has been no official comment from Zepto. The licence remains invalid until the conditions are met.
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