Zepto, the Indian quick commerce firm is facing severe backlash over allegations of unhygienic operations and food-safety violations. The controversy intensified after Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended Zepto’s food business license for its Dharavi hub in Mumbai earlier this month.
The license was suspended after an inspection by FDA authorities revealed alarming violations. These included fungus-infected food items, poor sanitation, improper cold storage, and expired stock being stored alongside fresh goods. The raid raised immediate red flags about the company’s compliance with basic food- safety protocols.
Adding fuel to the fire, a viral Reddit post by a former Zepto employee has brought public attention to alleged internal malpractices. The ex-employee described disturbing working conditions, claiming that monsoon flooding would cause gutter water to flow inside a Pune warehouse, where groceries continued to be packed and dispatched.
According to the employee, rotten produce, expired dairy items, and unsafe packaging practices were common. The post also revealed that workers were made to put in long hours in unsafe conditions without protective gear or adequate compensation.
The reactions were unerstandably strong online, with users comparing Zepto unfavourably with competitors in the quick commerce space. Many users spoke up about their own experiences of receiving spoiled goods or delayed deliveries, calling for greater accountability across the industry.
With consumer trust undoubtedly eroded, Zepto will now have to work to restore its reputation.
Regulatory scrutiny will of course become tighter, and customers are likely to opt for platforms perceived to maintain stricter quality control.
Zepto, however, calls this news fake. According to the company, “there’s been a wave of misinformation and speculative content circulating about Zepto, primarily originating from unverified online communities.” The company requests readers to “verify facts before amplifying such narratives”.
