Zepto warehouse sealed in Bengaluru’s Hoskote over violations: ‘Unhygienic food, non-compliant labelling, misbranding’

The action at the Zepto warehouse comes as Karnataka’s food safety department widened its enforcement drive across Bengaluru.

A warehouse operated for quick commerce firm Zepto was sealed in eastern Bengaluru’s Hoskote on Tuesday after a special inspection by the state’s food safety department over alleged violations related to food labelling, handling and storage.

Responding to the state government’s action, a Zepto spokesperson later said the company was committed to strengthening its processes. (SOURCED)

The special inspection drive was conducted “with the objective of inspecting the quality, safety, storage, labelling and food handling practices of food products at Zepto warehouse unit,” a statement issued by the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) commissioner said.

Unhygienic food, misbranding, and more

The department said the inspection found unhygienic food, non-compliant labelling, misbranding, handling and storage conditions, along with other violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011, and the Food Safety and Registration of Food Businesses Regulations, 2011.

“In view of the unhygienic food handling and storage conditions observed, the warehouse was sealed in accordance with the applicable FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) provisions,” it said.

The statement said a notice was issued to the warehouse and a recommendation made to file a case before the adjudicating officer concerned under the law.

Zepto's response to govt action

Responding to the state government’s action, a Zepto spokesperson later said the company was committed to strengthen its processes.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

Logistics firm Nippon Express had announced the opening of a massive warehouse spread across 16,000sq metres in Hoskote in January last year, saying it was launching operations there with Zepto.

Govt warns of strict legal action

The government statement on Tuesday also warned that strict legal action would be taken against food business operators that were found violating food safety regulations.

The action at the Zepto warehouse comes as Karnataka’s food safety department widened its enforcement drive across Bengaluru, moving beyond the usual targets, restaurants and hotels, to facilities involved in food storage and distribution.

Inspections at food storage centres

Earlier inspections at food storage centres had led to the discovery of about 70 kg of sauces nearing expiry and about 10 litres of beverages nearing expiry. Officials also collected food samples for laboratory testing.

The department has also been conducting inspections of hotels, restaurants and pubs across the city.

In a separate round of inspections 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, officials found rotten chicken and beef, while other inspections uncovered duck, fish, green peas, mushrooms and other food items that were deemed unfit for consumption.