Bad news for Zepto as Maharashtra FDA cancels license of.., due to...
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In fresh trouble for Zepto, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a crackdown on its operations across Mumbai, and cancelled the license of its Dharavi facility for non-compliance with food standards. As per the FDA, Zepto's Dharavi facility was shuttered for violating several regulations, including Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, according to a report by NDTV Profit. Maharashtra FDA cracks down on Zepto
The state FDA had also found norms violations during inspections at Zepto facilities in Bhiwandi, Bandra West and Borivali. The authority sent notices to the Bhiwandi and Bandra East facilities, and suspended the food business license of the Borivali location, due to which the quick commerce firm was prompted to implement corrective measures and was allowed to restart operations, report said, quoting an FDA official. Gross violations found at Zepto's Dharavi facility
According to the agency, gross violations of food standards norms were found at Zepto's Dharavi facility, including fungal growth in certain food articles, and food products stores near stagnant water, which indicated poor hygiene as cold storage rules were flouted. The inspection also discovered the facility's floors were wet and filthy, and food items were stored in a disorganized and unsanitary manner, including directly on the floor.
The agency also found that expired products were mixed with non-expired stock. Zepto's Dharavi license suspended
As per the NDTV report, the agency conducted the inspection based on on information received from Minister of State for FDA Yogesh Kadam, and cancelled the facility's license after its findings discovered norms violations. Additionally, Assistant Commissioner (Food), Anupamaa Balasaheb Patil, has 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.
As per the order, the suspension would remain in effect until Zepto achieves full compliance and receives approval from the licensing authority, the report said.
Responding to the development, a Zepto spokesperson asserted the quick commerce company is dedicated to ' maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene', and added that the firm has initiated an internal review, and is working closely with concerned agencies 'to ensure full and swift compliance.'
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