Horrifying pictures! Fungal growth on food, expired products - why Zepto's Mumbai warehouse license was suspended

Expired goods and fungus on food - that’s what has led to Zepto warehouse in Dharavi facing an operating license suspension. The Food & Drug Administration department has suspended the operating licence of a Zepto warehouse in Dharavi after discovering major food safety violations . During an FDA inspection , the facility was found to be operating in unhygienic conditions.

"Expired items were also kept along with others at the facility. They have since destroyed those products," said Anupama Patil, assistant commissioner (Food), according to a TOI report.

What were the top violations by Zepto’s warehouse?

• The FDA inspection revealed concerning issues, including fungal growth on food items, storage near stagnant water pools, and expired products on the premises.
• Additionally, several items were discovered placed on damp, unsanitary flooring.
• The temperature-controlled storage facilities failed to comply with required standards.

In response, the company has stated it will implement measures to address these deficiencies.


The food safety licence will stay suspended until Zepto shows it meets all required safety standards. "Till the contraventions are cleared, the facility will remain shut," joint commissioner(Food) Mangesh Mane said, noting that additional checks will be conducted at other Zepto facilities and similar quick-delivery services.

A Zepto representative responded, "...We have initiated an internal review and are working closely with the authorities concerned to ensure full and swift compliance." The organisation confirmed it is implementing necessary changes to address the issues and restart operations within legal requirements.


In January, FDA officials investigated three firms accused of selling medicines without proper licensing via online delivery. The inspections were carried out at Foclo Technologies in Thane, Bhagwati Stores in Kandivli, and Scootsy (Swiggy) Logistics in Malad.