15 August,2026 08:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
The Zepto facility at Lokhandwala in Andheri West is in disarray
Mumbai's booming quick-commerce network has come under the scanner of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with inspections of delivery warehouses revealing lapses ranging from poor temperature control and pest infestation to improper food storage and missing safety records.
The action was part of a statewide special drive on August 13 targeting establishments selling and distributing food through online platforms such as Zepto, Blinkit, and Instamart. Across Maharashtra, the FDA inspected 86 establishments, issued 60 improvement notices and suspended 14 food-business licences, while ordering one establishment to temporarily stop business operations. No licence was cancelled.
Cockroaches roam the shelves of the Rajidi Retail Pvt Ltd facility in Bandra West. Pics/By Special Arrangement
It scored 65 out of 140 (47 per cent), as inspectors found inadequate temperature-control facilities for temperature-sensitive food, no proper ante-room for frozen products and deficiencies in cold-storage monitoring. The warehouse layout was also found unsatisfactory for cleaning and pest control, while some food handlers were not properly using aprons, gloves, headgear, and footwear.
It scored 76 out of 140 (55 per cent) and was declared non-compliant, after the FDA found an inadequate air curtain at the entrance, food bags stored directly on the floor, cramped storage space, temperature-control lapses and shortcomings in lighting, cleanliness, and personal hygiene.
Rotting vegetables in the Bollywood Cafe, Studio No. 13, Film City, Goregaon East
It scored 60 out of 136 (45 per cent). Inspectors found dust, cobwebs, food waste, and a significant amount of rodent droppings, including near food packets. Rusted racks, damaged flooring, poor pest-proofing and inadequate medical and training records of food handlers were also recorded.
A chiller room was operating at 6 degrees C, around 40 food handlers reportedly lacked medical examination records, and segregation of veg, non-veg, cooked and dairy products was inadequate. The FDA subsequently suspended the FSSAI licence, barring the facility from buying, selling or distributing food during the suspension period.
At Bollywood Cafe, Studio No. 13, Film City, Goregaon East, inspectors found unsatisfactory cleanliness of utensils and premises, a heavy fly infestation, sewage, dirt and food waste in the kitchen, besides food being prepared on rusted and unclean food-contact surfaces. The FDA said penal action was being initiated under Section 69 of the FSS Act, 2006.
The wider drive also resulted in the seizure of 698 kg of dairy products worth R34,302, while 109 hotels, restaurants and dhabas were inspected by FDA officials, 49 improvement notices issued, and four food-business licences were suspended.
Tukaram Mundhe, FDA Commissioner
âThe health of the public will not be compromised at any cost. Citizens have the right to safe and pure food. If adulteration or the sale, storage or manufacture of prohibited substances is found, stricter action will be taken, and the crackdown will continue'
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