The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart following multiple consumer complaints alleging violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The complaints have alleged the supply of expired, spoiled, rotten, contaminated and otherwise unsafe food products through the quick-commerce platform. The regulator has directed Swiggy Instamart to submit a detailed explanation and compliance report, stating that appropriate legal action may be initiated if it fails to do so.
As per media reports, the complaints have included allegations that an infant food formulation was delivered in a deteriorated and unsafe condition, showing signs of contamination and improper storage and handling. The reports have also stated that the same product was allegedly re-supplied even after being returned. Other complaints have alleged the delivery of contaminated eggs and milk, along with damaged packaged food items.
FSSAI has also observed instances of incorrect, invalid or non-existent FSSAI licence numbers. It has further alleged that some food business entities have been listed under names different from those reflected against their FSSAI registrations.
The regulator has also stated that some consumers have not received satisfactory responses, grievance redressal or corrective action despite escalating their complaints. In one instance, a complaint has alleged that only a refund was offered without addressing the reported food safety concerns.
According to FSSAI, the notices have raised concerns regarding seller onboarding, compliance verification, traceability, food quality monitoring, consumer grievance redressal, supervision of food business activities and the adequacy of food safety compliance systems. The regulator has said that the notices have been issued based on suo motu cognisance as well as consumer complaints. It has recently issued similar notices to several energy drink makers, alcoholic beverage companies, food companies and quick-commerce platforms.
