MUMBAI, India — Maharashtra’s food safety authorities have intensified inspections of the state’s rapidly expanding quick-commerce sector, suspending the food licences of 12 warehouses operated by Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy’s Instamart after inspectors reported cockroach infestations and other hygiene violations. The action is part of a wider crackdown led by state food safety chief Tukaram Mundhe, which has also targeted restaurants and food outlets across Maharashtra.
- Food licences of 12 warehouses linked to Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart were suspended.
- The Maharashtra FDA inspected 86 establishments and issued 60 improvement notices.
- Inspectors reported cockroaches, rotten vegetables, rodent droppings and other hygiene concerns at some facilities.
- The crackdown has placed fresh scrutiny on India’s rapidly expanding quick-commerce industry.
Maharashtra food safety crackdown expands to quick commerce
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration said it inspected 86 establishments as part of its latest enforcement drive. The department issued 60 improvement notices and suspended permits at several warehouses operated by major quick-commerce companies.
Five Blinkit warehouses, five Zepto facilities and two Swiggy Instamart warehouses were among those whose permits were suspended, according to the FDA statement cited by Reuters.
Swiggy and Eternal, the company behind Blinkit, declined to comment to Reuters, while Zepto did not respond to requests for comment.
Inspectors report hygiene violations at warehouses
The inspections highlighted several concerns related to food storage and hygiene. Maharashtra FDA photographs showed dirty and rusted storage racks, with cockroaches visible around food products.
At a Blinkit storage facility, inspectors reportedly found a cockroach infestation and rotten vegetables. Other locations were reported to have rodent droppings and unhygienic conditions.
The FDA also cited a Zepto warehouse in Nashik where delivery workers were entering storage areas while wearing street footwear. Authorities said the practice could increase the risk of cross-contamination.
Tukaram Mundhe warns companies over public health
The enforcement campaign has been led by Tukaram Mundhe, Maharashtra’s new food safety chief. His department has recently taken action against several well-known food businesses as part of a broader effort to strengthen compliance with food safety and hygiene requirements.
“We will not tolerate any playing with public health,” Mundhe said in the FDA statement.
The official warned that further action would be taken against businesses where unsafe food preparation or unhygienic storage conditions are found.
Quick-commerce sector faces growing scrutiny
The action comes as quick commerce has become a major part of India’s retail and grocery market. Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart operate extensive networks of delivery outlets designed to fulfil customer orders within minutes.
According to figures from Datum Intelligence cited in the report, Swiggy and Zepto each have around 1,100 delivery outlets in India, while Blinkit has about 2,200.
The sector is estimated at around $13 billion and has attracted billions of dollars in foreign investment. Companies operating in the market collectively handle millions of orders, increasing the importance of food storage standards across their networks.
Crackdown follows action against Domino’s outlets
The latest warehouse inspections follow action against four Domino’s outlets in Maharashtra earlier this week. Domino’s is one of the country’s largest fast-food chains and is generally associated with established food safety procedures.
The enforcement drive has attracted significant public attention, particularly after photographs from the inspections were circulated in local media and on social media platforms.
A Reuters photographer visiting one Blinkit store inspected by authorities observed cleaning and pest-control work underway. Trash containers were also seen outside the facility.
What happens next?
The Maharashtra FDA’s latest action puts greater pressure on quick-commerce companies to demonstrate compliance with food safety and storage requirements. With inspections continuing across the state, companies could face further regulatory action if authorities identify unresolved violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Maharashtra suspend quick-commerce warehouse licences?
The state FDA said inspections found food safety and hygiene violations at several facilities, including reported cockroach infestations, rotten vegetables, rodent droppings and other unhygienic conditions.
Which quick-commerce companies were affected?
The Maharashtra FDA suspended permits at five Blinkit warehouses, five Zepto warehouses and two Swiggy Instamart warehouses, according to the statement cited in the report.
