Maharashtra Cracks Down on Quick Commerce Giants Over Hygiene Violations

Maharashtra's food safety authorities have escalated their crackdown on the grocery delivery sector, suspending the permits of 12 warehouses operated by major players Eternal, Swiggy, and Zepto. Inspections uncovered widespread hygiene violations, including cockroach infestations, rotten vegetables, and rodent droppings in storage facilities. This action is part of a broader enforcement drive led by the state's new food safety chief, Tukaram Mundhe, who has previously shut down several Mumbai eateries for poor hygiene standards. ## Hygiene Violations in Quick Commerce Warehouses The suspended warehouses include five from Eternal's Blinkit, five from Zepto, and two from Swiggy's Instamart. Inspectors found particularly egregious conditions at a Blinkit facility, where cockroaches and spoiled produce were discovered. At a Zepto warehouse in Nashik, delivery staff were observed entering storage areas in street shoes, raising concerns about cross-contamination. Photos released by the state's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) depicted rusted racks and cockroaches crawling on food items. Mundhe's office issued a stern warning, stating that public health would not be compromised. The state FDA reported inspecting 86 establishments, issuing 60 improvement notices, and suspending the permits of the 12 warehouses. This follows the recent closure of four Domino's outlets, a brand typically known for stricter safety protocols. ## Industry Response and Broader Implications Swiggy and Eternal declined to comment on the findings, while Zepto did not respond to requests for a statement. According to Datum Intelligence, Swiggy and Zepto operate approximately 1,100 delivery outlets each in India, while Blinkit has around 2,200. The crackdown highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing food safety standards in India's quick commerce sector, where rapid delivery often takes precedence over hygiene. Mundhe's enforcement actions have drawn significant social media attention, as food safety violations in local eateries are common but rarely met with strict penalties. The latest measures signal a shift toward stricter oversight, with authorities vowing to take tougher action against unsafe food handling and storage practices.