Swiggy Instamart Faces 9 FSSAI Notices Over Hygiene Lapses
Swiggy Instamart, the quick-commerce arm of Swiggy, has been issued nine notices by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for multiple hygiene and safety shortcomings. The notices were served after inspections at various dark stores across the country revealed significant violations of food safety norms.
Key Violations Uncovered During Inspections
The FSSAI inspections identified several critical issues, including pest infestation, improper storage of food items, lack of cleanliness, and failure to maintain temperature control for perishable goods. In some facilities, inspectors found rodent droppings and cockroach infestations, raising serious concerns about food contamination risks.
According to the FSSAI, the dark stores also lacked proper waste disposal mechanisms and had inadequate pest control measures. Additionally, the authority noted that employees were not following basic hygiene protocols, such as wearing gloves and hairnets while handling food.
FSSAI Takes Action to Ensure Compliance
The FSSAI has directed Swiggy Instamart to address all violations within a stipulated timeframe. The company has been asked to submit a compliance report detailing the corrective actions taken. Failure to comply could result in further penalties, including suspension of operations at non-compliant facilities.
An FSSAI official stated, "We have issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart for serious hygiene violations. The company must rectify these issues immediately to ensure consumer safety."
Swiggy Instamart Responds to Notices
Swiggy Instamart acknowledged the notices and expressed commitment to resolving the issues. In a statement, the company said, "We take food safety very seriously and are working closely with the FSSAI to address all concerns. We have already initiated corrective measures across our network."
The company emphasized that it has implemented enhanced training programs for staff and upgraded its pest control and storage systems. It also plans to conduct third-party audits at all dark stores to ensure compliance with FSSAI standards.
Impact on Consumers and Quick-Commerce Sector
The FSSAI action highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on the quick-commerce sector, which has expanded rapidly in India. Consumers are advised to check the quality and packaging of products received from such platforms. The incident also underscores the importance of stringent food safety standards in the e-grocery segment.
Industry experts believe that this crackdown may lead to stricter compliance requirements for all quick-commerce players, potentially increasing operational costs but ultimately benefiting consumer health.
