Zomato under the scanner after Zepto, Food Safety officials visit Bengaluru warehouses: Report

Zomato Under Scanner After Zepto Warehouse Seal in Bengaluru

Theindiapostdaily.com – Zomato under the scanner after food safety officials conducted a surprise inspection at its Bengaluru warehouse, following a similar action against rival quick-commerce platform Zepto. The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department visited the Zomato Hyperpure facility on Bannerghatta Road on Wednesday, just one day after sealing a Zepto warehouse in the city over alleged unhygienic conditions and safety violations.

The inspection team, which also visited a Hyperpure by Zomato unit at Sakalawara on Tuesday, examined various aspects of food storage, labelling, licensing, and handling procedures. While no official statement has been issued by the department yet, reports indicate that the warehouse premises were found to be clean and tidy during the visit.

Key Findings During the Inspection

During the comprehensive inspection, officials identified several compliance issues at the Zomato facility. Notably, they discovered 146 kg of chicken without the FSSAI licence number of the manufacturer, while 40 kg of garlic was sourced from a manufacturer whose FSSAI licence was not valid. The team also found alleged mislabelling on 300 kg of rice, 20 kg of dry fruits, and 15 kg of masala in the packaged products.

“The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department will take strict legal action against food business operators found violating food safety regulations,” the Commissioner stated in the official release.

Additionally, 10 kg of imported radish pickle was reportedly not stored in a refrigerated area as required. The department collected 40 samples in total—comprising five legal samples and 35 survey samples—for further investigation. The FDA has since issued a notice to the Zomato Hyperpure unit, indicating that further legal action would be taken as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and FSSAI Rules, 2011.

What This Means for Consumers

The heightened scrutiny comes at a time when Bengaluru residents are increasingly relying on quick-commerce platforms for daily essentials. The Zepto warehouse in Hoskote taluk of Bengaluru Rural district was sealed following a surprise visit that revealed unhygienic conditions. This parallel action against both major players suggests that food safety officials are stepping up their monitoring efforts across the sector.

Consumers can expect more frequent inspections and potentially stricter enforcement of food safety standards. The department has announced plans to continue conducting special inspection drives to ensure public access to safe, quality, and hygienic food products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Hyperpure by Zomato? A: Hyperpure is Zomato’s B2B food supply chain business that provides fresh ingredients and food products to restaurants, hotels, and other food businesses across India.

Q: What are the potential consequences for Zomato? A: Depending on the investigation results, Zomato could face fines, temporary closure of the facility, or mandatory corrective actions to address the identified violations.

Q: How does this affect Zepto customers? A: The sealed Zepto warehouse in Hoskote may experience temporary supply disruptions, though the company is likely working to restore operations quickly.

Q: What should consumers do if they have concerns? A: Consumers can report food safety issues to the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department through their official complaint channels.

For more updates on food safety regulations and quick-commerce developments, visit Livemint’s India news section.