Food Safety Crackdown: Zepto, Blinkit Face Scrutiny in Bengaluru and Mumbai

In Bengaluru, Karnataka authorities sealed a Zepto warehouse after finding what they described as unhygienic food handling and storage conditions. In Mumbai, the Maharashtra Food Safety and Drug Administration suspended the licence of Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd’s Malad (West) facility following serious food safety concerns.

Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration inspected Zepto’s warehouse at the Nippon Express facility in Hoskote taluk.

Officials examined food quality, storage, labelling, safety and handling practices under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The inspection reportedly found unhygienic conditions, improper labelling, alleged misbranding and lapses in food handling and storage. Authorities subsequently sealed the warehouse and issued a notice.

The department also recommended that the matter be placed before the appropriate adjudicating authority for further legal proceedings.

The inspection drive also covered Indira Canteens in Gottigere, Singasandra and Lingarajapuram.

Officials reported violations related to labelling, misbranding and other food safety requirements. The Gottigere outlet was sealed, while notices were issued to all three canteens.

Samples of pulses, turmeric powder, cooking oil, jaggery, salt, sugar and prepared food were collected and sent to laboratories for testing.

Authorities have urged food businesses to maintain proper hygiene and storage standards, control pests, prevent cross-contamination and ensure expired food and used cooking oil are disposed of safely.

Zepto said it cooperated fully with the inspection and was acting on the observations shared by officials.

The company said it remains committed to strengthening its food safety processes and maintaining hygiene standards across its operations.

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

The action was taken after officials identified serious food safety and hygiene violations. The facility was also reportedly found to have a cockroach infestation.

The action against the two quick-commerce companies comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny of warehouses and food-handling facilities supplying groceries and other food products to consumers.