Fungus on food, expired goods: Zepto's Dharavi licence suspended over lapses
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business license of Kiranakart Technologies Pvt. Ltd., which operates under the brand name Zepto, following serious food safety violations at its Dharavi warehouse. The action was taken after an inspection revealed fungal growth on food items, expired products, and unhygienic storage conditions.The inspection was prompted by information from Minister of State for Food and Drug Administration Yogesh Kadam, and was carried out under the supervision of Joint Commissioner (Food) Mangesh Mane. Food Safety Officer Ram Bodke, acting on the directive, found multiple violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations during the visit to the Zepto facility.advertisementSeveral serious lapses were observed, including:Fungal growth on certain food articlesStorage of products near clogged or stagnant water, indicating poor hygieneCold storage temperatures not maintained as per regulatory standardsDisorganised storage of food items, some kept directly on wet and filthy floorsExpired food products found not clearly segregated from non-expired stockIn response to the violations, an immediate suspension order under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, was issued by Assistant Commissioner (Food) Anupamaa Balasaheb Patil. The suspension will remain in effect until Zepto achieves full regulatory compliance and receives clearance from the competent authority.Reacting to the action, a Zepto spokesperson said the company had initiated an internal review and was cooperating fully with authorities. "At Zepto, maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene is non-negotiable. We have already initiated an internal review and are working closely with the concerned authorities to ensure full and swift compliance. We are committed to rectifying the lapses identified, and strengthening our processes to provide the best and safest quality of products to our consumers. We are taking all necessary corrective measures to resume operations in accordance with regulatory obligations and applicable laws at the earliest," the spokesperson said.Trending Reel
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