An inspection by FDA revealed that certain food articles had fungal growth while some products were stored near clogged or stagnant water. Also, the cold storage temperature at the outlet was not maintained according to the regulatory standards
-1748862443292_d.png "Zepto's licence suspended in Mumbai's Dharavi for food safety non-compliance")
Zepto has released a statement, saying that an internal review has been initiated. PIC/X
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the food business licence of quick-commerce company ‘Zepto’ in Dharavi, Mumbai, for not qualifying with the food safety standards, reported ANI.
According to a statement released by the Maharashtra FDA, Food Safety Officer Ram Bodke, Minister of State for Food and Drug Administration Yogesh Kadam, along with Joint Commissioner Mangesh Mane conducted an inspection at the premises of Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd.
The inspection in the Mumbai outlet revealed that the food quality did not align with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Certain food articles had fungal growth, while some products were stored near clogged or stagnant water, the visit highlighted. Also, the cold storage temperature was not maintained according to the regulatory standards. The floor was wet and filthy, with food items stored in a disorganised and unsanitary manner. Expired food products were not separated from the non-expired stock, revealed the inspection.
FDA Maharashtra in a statement said, “These findings constitute a failure to comply with the conditions of the license. Accordingly, Smt. Anupamaa Balasaheb Patil, Assistant Commissioner (Food), issued an order of immediate suspension under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Regulation 2.1.8(4) of the Licensing and Registration Regulations, 2011."
The statement also asserts that the suspension remains effective until the establishment achieves full compliance and receives approval from the licensing authority. FDA Maharashtra also assured that it will continue to uphold the commitment of ensuring public health by conducting strict and transparent enforcement of food safety regulations.
Replying to the suspension order, Zepto has also released a statement, saying that they have initiated an internal review and are closely monitoring to ensure full and swift compliance.
"We are committed to rectifying the lapses identified and strengthening our processes to provide the best and safest quality of products to our consumers. We are taking all necessary corrective measures to resume operations in accordance with regulatory obligations and applicable laws as soon as possible. We have already initiated an internal review and are working closely with the concerned authorities to ensure full and swift compliance," the Zepto statement read.
(With inputs from ANI)
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