Mumbai: Fungal growth on food items, filthy storage conditions, stagnant water, and expired stock mixed with fresh goods, these were among the shocking violations found by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during a surprise inspection at Zepto’s Dharavi facility.

Following these serious lapses in hygiene and food safety, the FDA has suspended the food business license of Kiranakart Technologies, the company behind the quick-commerce platform Zepto.

Inspectors noted that cold storage units were not operating at required temperatures, while food items were kept directly on wet, dirty floors in an unorganised manner. Expired products were not clearly separated from non-expired stock, and the overall conditions were in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

The inspection was initiated based on a tip-off from Yogesh Kadam, Minister of State for FDA. In response to the findings, Assistant Commissioner (Food) Anupamaa Balasaheb Patil issued an immediate suspension order under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act.

The suspension will remain in force until the company brings its operations into full compliance and receives approval from the licensing authority.