FDA suspends Zepto's License:

Introduction

Zepto is a quick-commerce platform in India that provides instant grocery delivery, targeting a delivery time of within 10 minutes. Established in 2021 by Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha, Zepto employs a hyperlocal strategy, using "dark stores" (mini-warehouses) strategically located in high-demand regions to facilitate efficient deliveries.

However, it has come under spot light as The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the license of Zepto's Dharavi warehouse for not complying with food safety standards.

Details of the License Suspension

The Food and Drug Administration's inspection in Dharavi uncovered non-compliance with food standards. A few days earlier, the authority also inspected Zepto's facilities in Bhiwandi, Bandra West, and Borivali, where violations were found, according to a department official. The inspection of the Dharavi facility showed significant non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, as reported by the FDA.

Notices were also issued for the Bhiwandi and Bandra East facilities, and the food business license at the Borivali location was suspended. Zepto subsequently took corrective measures and received approval to resume operations from the appellate authority, according to the official mentioned above.  In Dharavi, the agency observed fungal growth on certain food items, storage of products near clogged or stagnant water, indicating poor hygiene, and cold storage temperatures not maintained according to regulatory standards. Floors were wet and filthy, with food items stored in a disorganized and unsanitary manner, including directly on the floor, and expired food products were not clearly separated from non-expired stock.

The suspension will continue until the establishment fully complies and gains approval from the licensing authority.

Zepto states that it has begun an internal investigation into the Dharavi issue and is collaborating closely with the relevant authorities to guarantee complete and prompt compliance.

The Path Forward

In today's rapidly evolving food industry, ensuring food safety is paramount. Digital products designed for food safety can revolutionize the way businesses manage compliance, training, and monitoring. Here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Training and Certification

• Online courses for food handlers

• Certification programs for food safety managers

• Interactive training modules for ongoing education

2. Compliance Management

• Digital checklists for inspections

• E-books on Food Safety

• Document management systems for safety protocols

3. Monitoring and Tracking

• IoT devices for real-time temperature monitoring

• Apps for tracking food recalls and alerts

• Data analytics tools for identifying safety trends

4. Customer Engagement

• Mobile apps for consumers to check food safety ratings

• Social media platforms for sharing safety practices

• Feedback systems for reporting safety concerns

  
  

By embracing these methods, the food industry can enhance safety standards, improve compliance, and foster consumer trust. The future of food safety is digital, and the time to act is now.