Maharashtra FDA Suspends 14 Quick-Commerce Licences Over Food Safety Lapses

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken regulatory action against quick-commerce delivery warehouses across Mumbai and the state, flagging serious violations at facilities including a Zepto unit in Lokhandwala, Andheri West. The action followed a special statewide inspection drive conducted on August 13 targeting dark stores and storage hubs handling rapid grocery deliveries.

During the drive, FDA officials inspected 86 establishments connected to prominent online delivery platforms, including Zepto, Blinkit, and Instamart. The inspections resulted in the suspension of 14 food-business licences and the issuance of 60 improvement notices to operators found failing standard compliance checks.

Regulators identified a range of critical lapses during the visits. Key issues uncovered by inspectors included poor temperature control for perishable items, pest infestations within premises, improper food storage practices, and an absence of mandatory food safety records. At the Zepto facility in Lokhandwala, Andheri West, inspectors found the establishment to be in disarray.

In addition to the suspensions and notices, the FDA ordered one establishment to temporarily halt all business operations. The authority confirmed that no food-business licences were permanently cancelled during the August 13 operation.

The enforcement drive targeted the growing network of quick-commerce hubs that store and distribute packaged and fresh food across urban centres in Maharashtra. Officials focused on verifying whether warehouses operating under tight delivery timelines maintain required hygiene protocols and statutory safety documentation.

The 60 establishments that received improvement notices will be required to rectify the flagged deficiencies, including addressing storage conditions, pest management, temperature monitoring, and record-keeping, to comply with food safety standards.