Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licenses of Zepto and Brijwasi for Safety Violations
The Maharashtra FDA has suspended food safety licenses of Zepto and Brijwasi following serious hygiene violations during inspections.
Licenses for Zepto and Brijwasi were suspended due to food safety violations.
The FDA seized banned food products worth ₹1.73 crore during a statewide crackdown.
Over 5,300 liters of milk were destroyed in Taloja due to hygiene concerns.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken significant action by suspending the food safety licenses of two establishments: Brijwasi in Malad (West) and Zepto in Bhandup, Mumbai. This decision follows inspections that uncovered serious violations of food safety and hygiene standards. The suspensions were officially announced on October 12, with Brijwasi's license suspended on October 10 and Zepto's on October 9.
The FDA's inspections revealed alarming deficiencies at M/s Krishnam Retails LLP, operating under the Brijwasi name, which posed a serious risk to public health. The suspension was enacted under Sections 32(1) and 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Similarly, Zepto's premises were found to be in violation of hygiene regulations during an inspection on October 7, leading to the immediate suspension of its license.
While the FDA's press note did not specify the exact deficiencies found at either location, it emphasized that the actions taken were part of a broader enforcement initiative aimed at ensuring food safety during the festive season. This crackdown also included the seizure of banned food products valued at ₹1.73 crore, including a significant seizure of gutkha and pan masala worth ₹1.30 crore from a truck intercepted in Palghar district.
In addition to the suspensions, FDA officials conducted inspections in Taloja, resulting in the destruction of over 5,300 liters of milk and 119 kg of paneer due to unsanitary conditions. The establishments involved had serious hygiene issues, including inadequate drainage facilities and the presence of contaminants in food products. The licenses of all three establishments were also suspended.
Looking ahead, the FDA plans to continue its rigorous inspections across Maharashtra to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The department has already targeted several establishments for regulatory violations, indicating that further actions and potential suspensions may follow as part of its ongoing commitment to public health and safety.
