Zepto and Indira canteen warehouses sealed over food hygiene violations

Food safety officials on Tuesday sealed warehouses of Zepto and an Indira Canteen in Bengaluru after finding “unhygienic” food handling and storage conditions, officials said, as Karnataka widened its enforcement drive beyond restaurants and hotels to food storage and distribution facilities

Food safety officials on Tuesday sealed warehouses of Zepto and an Indira Canteen in Bengaluru after finding “unhygienic” food handling and storage conditions, officials said, as Karnataka widened its enforcement drive beyond restaurants and hotels to food storage and distribution facilities.

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The Food Safety and Drug Administration inspected the Zepto warehouse operated at the Nippon Express facility in Hoskote taluk, examining the “quality, safety, storage, labelling and food handling practices” under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related rules. Officials found unhygienic food, non-compliant labelling, misbranding and violations in handling and storage. “In view of the unhygienic food handling and storage conditions observed, the warehouse was sealed in accordance with the applicable FSSAI provisions,” the department said. A notice was issued and a case recommended before the concerned Adjudicating Officer for further legal action.

The department also inspected three Indira Canteens at Gottigere, Singasandra and Lingarajapuram, where officials found labelling, misbranding and other FSSAI violations. The Gottigere warehouse was sealed, while notices were issued to all three establishments and cases recommended for legal action. Samples of pulses, turmeric powder, cooking oil, jaggery, salt, sugar and prepared food were sent for laboratory testing.

The action comes amid inspections of hotels, restaurants and pubs across Bengaluru. Earlier checks at food storage centres operated by Coldman Logistics and Radhakrishna Foodland found around 70 kg of sauces and about 10 litres of beverages nearing expiry. On August 10, officials seized or discarded 132 kg of food and disposed of 15 litres of used cooking oil. At one UB City establishment, rotten chicken and beef were found, while other inspections uncovered duck, fish, green peas, mushrooms and other food deemed unfit for consumption.

The department has issued an advisory to food businesses on hygiene, food storage, pest control, prevention of cross-contamination and safe disposal of expired food and used cooking oil. It warned of strict legal action against violators.

Zepto said it had cooperated with the inspection and was taking steps in response to the observations made by the authorities. A spokesperson said, “Routine food safety inspections are conducted by authorities across the country as part of their regular oversight. We have fully cooperated with the authorities during the inspection, taken note of the observations and suggestions shared, and are taking the necessary steps to address them. We remain committed to continuously strengthening our processes and maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene.”

(with inputs from PTI)