The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart, the quick-commerce arm of Swiggy, after receiving multiple consumer complaints about rotten and expired food products. The regulator's action follows a series of inspections that uncovered significant lapses in food safety protocols at the company's warehouses and delivery hubs.
Consumer Complaints Spark Investigation
According to FSSAI officials, the complaints ranged from delivery of stale bakery items to packets of chips that had crossed their expiry dates. In some instances, consumers reported finding mold on packaged foods. The regulator conducted surprise checks at several Swiggy Instamart facilities across cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi.
Details of the Notices
The nine notices were issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, citing violations related to storage conditions, lack of proper labeling, and failure to maintain hygiene standards. FSSAI has given Swiggy Instamart a deadline to respond with corrective measures. The company could face fines or suspension of license if found non-compliant.
Stockpile and Seizure
During the inspections, FSSAI teams seized a stockpile of expired goods, including dairy products, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. An official stated, "We found a large quantity of food items stored in unhygienic conditions, some of which were well past their expiry dates. This poses a serious health risk to consumers." The regulator has instructed the company to strengthen its quality checks and implement a robust system to remove expired inventory.
Swiggy Instamart's Response
Swiggy Instamart has acknowledged the notices and stated that it is cooperating with the authorities. In a statement, a company spokesperson said, "We take food safety very seriously and are committed to providing fresh and quality products to our customers. We are reviewing the observations and will take necessary steps to address them." The company has also initiated an internal audit of its supply chain.
Impact on Quick-Commerce Sector
This incident highlights growing concerns over food safety in India's booming quick-commerce industry, which promises delivery in 10-30 minutes. Experts warn that the pressure to deliver fast can lead to compromises in quality control. Consumer rights groups have called for stricter regulations and regular audits of such platforms.
The FSSAI has warned that it will conduct further inspections across other quick-commerce players like Zepto and Blinkit to ensure compliance. The regulator emphasized that consumer health cannot be compromised for speed and convenience.
