Zepto in Bengaluru, Blinkit in Mumbai Under Scanner Over Food Safety Violations

Food safety authorities have stepped up inspections of quick-commerce facilities.

With Zepto coming under action in Bengaluru and Blinkit facing a licence suspension in Mumbai over alleged violations of food safety and hygiene standards.

In Bengaluru, Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration sealed a Zepto warehouse after officials reportedly found unhygienic conditions related to food handling and storage. In Mumbai, Maharashtra authorities suspended the licence of Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd’s facility in Malad (West), citing serious food safety and hygiene concerns.

Zepto Warehouse Sealed in Bengaluru

Karnataka officials inspected Zepto’s warehouse at the Nippon Express facility in Hoskote taluk as part of a special food safety campaign.

The inspection covered food quality, safety, storage, labelling and handling practices under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.

Officials reportedly detected issues including unhygienic food handling and storage, improper labelling, alleged misbranding and violations of prescribed food-handling practices.

The department said the warehouse was sealed after the inspection because of the conditions observed. Officials also issued a notice and recommended further proceedings before the concerned adjudicating authority.

Indira Canteens Also Inspected

The inspection drive extended to Indira Canteens in Gottigere, Singasandra and Lingarajapuram.

Authorities reported violations involving labelling and misbranding at the outlets. The Gottigere canteen was sealed, while notices were issued to all three establishments.

Officials collected samples of pulses, turmeric powder, cooking oil, jaggery, salt, sugar and prepared food for laboratory testing. Further legal action has been recommended based on the findings.

The department has advised food operators to maintain proper hygiene, follow safe storage practices, control pests, prevent cross-contamination and dispose of expired food and used cooking oil appropriately.

Zepto Says It Is Addressing the Observations

Zepto said it cooperated with the inspection and acknowledged the observations made by officials.

A company spokesperson said the firm was taking the necessary steps to address the issues highlighted during the inspection and reiterated its commitment to strengthening food safety and hygiene practices.

Blinkit Facility in Mumbai Faces Licence Suspension

In Mumbai, Maharashtra’s Food Safety and Drug Administration suspended the licence of Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd, which operates the Blinkit platform, for its Malad (West) facility.

The action followed an inspection in which authorities reportedly identified serious food safety and hygiene violations, including allegations of cockroach infestation.

The latest actions in Bengaluru and Mumbai highlight the growing scrutiny of quick-commerce warehouses and food-handling facilities as authorities step up enforcement of food safety regulations.