Zepto and Eternal's quick-commerce arm Blinkit are on the radar of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for inspection of dark stores.
Hygiene Standards
According to a MoneyControl report, the FDA has taken these steps to ensure the companies are maintaining proper hygiene standards and are compliant.
Alleged Violations Last Month
Last month, both dark stores of quick commerce players, Zepto and Blinkit, shut down. There were alleged violations of food safety, hygiene norms, and compliance issues.
Amazon Rolls Out 10-Minute Delivery; Competition With Blinkit, Swiggy, Instamart & Zepto IntensifiesAfter Requisite Clearance
Both the quick commerce players managed to resume operations at the shut facilities after authorities granted them the requisite clearance.
According to MoneyControl, "They (Blinkit, Zepto) did make all the changes. They followed the hygiene rules and standards. Regardless, regular inspections are still being made."
In June, the FDA found that a Blinkit-affiliated dark store in Pune, near Mitcon College in Balewadi, operated by Energy Darkstore Services, was functioning without a mandatory food safety licence, in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
India-UK Agree To Negotiate Mutual Recognition Agreements After Implementing The Trade DealThe facility was inspected on June 5 following a consumer complaint. Officials directed the operator to immediately suspend all food-related operations and had warned of legal action if the order was not followed.
Unhygienic Conditions In Dharavi
At Zepto’s Dharavi facility, inspectors found food articles with fungal growth, poor hygiene with products stored near stagnant water, expired items not segregated. They also failed to maintain cold storage temperatures in line with regulatory norms. The FDA had said the suspension would remain until the company demonstrated corrective action.
