Zepto License Cancelled By FDA Over Rotting Goods; Netizens on Twitter and Reddit React

India's quick commerce darling Zepto has landed in boiling hot water after Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended its food business license over shocking hygiene violations. From fungus-laced groceries to expired products dumped alongside fresh ones, Zepto's Dharavi dark store became the epicentre of what authorities are calling a "gross lapse in basic food safety".

What Went Wrong at Zepto?

On Sunday evening, Maharashtra's FDA cracked the whip on Zepto's parent entity, Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd. During a surprise inspection at its Mumbai-based dark store in Dharavi, officials unearthed multiple violations:

Fungus-covered food items that were still being stocked.

Products stored dangerously close to clogged, stagnant water.

Cold storage facilities that failed to maintain regulated temperatures.

Expired items not being isolated from consumable inventory.

These findings, termed "serious breaches" by the FDA, led to an immediate suspension of Zepto's food distribution license. The ban will stay in place until Zepto overhauls its operations and satisfies regulators of its compliance with all hygiene and safety mandates.

Zepto's Ongoing Struggles

This latest regulatory blow adds to the ongoing challenges Zepto has been battling in recent months. As per a Business Republic report, back in May, the company abruptly pulled the plug on its cafe service across seven cities in North India due to reported supply disruptions and manpower shortages. Insiders say the startup is feeling the heat from intensifying competition in the quick-commerce sector.

Redditors and Twitterati Are Already Roasting Zepto

As the FDA action made headlines, online outrage also surged. People on X and on Reddit are sharing their experience with the quick commerce platform. The posts are all about delayed deliveries and fake discounts, and food quality complaints. Many users took to the platform to validate their past grievances, sharing photos of stale bread, broken packaging, and even insects in order to add fuel to the growing backlash.

Zepto will need more than a PR patch-up. Rebuilding consumer trust, fixing backend logistics, and ensuring airtight quality checks will be crucial if the startup wants to stay in the race.