MUMBAI: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business license of one of the warehouses of Kiranakart Technologies Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of quick-commerce platform Zepto.This was after serious food safety violations at its Dharavi facility.

The suspension was issued after an inspection conducted by FDA officials on Saturday revealed multiple breaches of food safety standards.Inspectors found fungal growth on food items, storage of food near stagnant water, and the presence of expired products. Some food items were allegedly stored directly on wet and unhygienic floors, and cold storage units reportedly failed to meet prescribed safety norms.The inspection was carried out on the directive of Yogesh Kadam, Minister of State for Food and Drug Administration.

Following the inspection, assistant commissioner (Food) Anupamaa Patil issued the suspension order under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Regulation 2.1.8(4) of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.FDA officials stated that the license suspension will remain in effect until the company fully complies with the food safety norms and receives clearance from the licensing authority.

TOI attempted to reach out to Zepto, but company representatives were unavailable for comment.A Zepto spokesperson said, “At Zepto, maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene is non-negotiable. We have already initiated an internal review and are working closely with the concerned authorities to ensure full and swift compliance.”The spokesperson further said that the company will be rectifying the lapses identified. “We are taking all necessary corrective measures to resume operations in accordance with regulatory obligations and applicable laws at the earliest,” the spokesperson said.