FSSAI Issues 9 Show Cause Notices to Swiggy Instamart Over Alleged Food Safety Violations; Seeks Detailed Compliance Report
New Delhi, July 12: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued nine show cause notices to Swiggy Instamart over multiple consumer complaints alleging violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including the alleged supply of expired, spoiled, contaminated and improperly labelled food products.
According to FSSAI, the notices were issued following an examination of complaints received from consumers regarding various products supplied through the quick-commerce platform.
Alleged Food Safety Violations
FSSAI said the complaints collectively alleged several instances of non-compliance with food safety regulations.
Among the key observations highlighted by the food regulator are:
- Consumers allegedly received expired, spoiled, rotten, contaminated and otherwise unsafe food products through Swiggy Instamart.
- “NOICE” branded eggs were allegedly marketed under a brand name that was not covered under the product categories approved in the existing FSSAI licence. The Food Business Operator (FBO) has been directed not to market the product unless it is covered under a valid licence and to seek licence modification, wherever necessary.
- Consumers reportedly received “Healthify 100% Whey Protein 1 kg” and “Noice Homestyle Madras Mixture with Peanuts” after their expiry dates.
- An Akshayakalpa Organic Egg complaint alleged that eggs supplied were expired, rotten, emitted a foul odour and showed signs of contamination, rendering them unfit for human consumption. FSSAI also noted allegations that no corrective action was taken despite escalation of the complaint.
- A complaint involving “Kakke Da Paratha” alleged that the product was spoiled, emitted a foul smell and was unfit for consumption, with no satisfactory corrective action reportedly taken.
Concerns Over Infant Formula and Other Products
The food regulator also cited complaints involving an infant food formulation, which was allegedly delivered in a highly deteriorated and unsafe condition with signs of contamination and improper storage.
According to the observations, the same product was allegedly supplied again to the consumer even after the defective product had been returned.
Additional complaints alleged:
- Delivery of contaminated eggs and milk.
- Supply of damaged packaged food items.
- Use of incorrect, invalid or non-existent FSSAI licence numbers.
- Food business entities allegedly being listed under names different from those appearing in their FSSAI registration.
- Inadequate consumer grievance redressal, with some complainants alleging that only refunds were offered without addressing the reported food safety concerns.
Questions Raised Over Compliance Systems
FSSAI said the notices also raise concerns regarding:
- Seller onboarding procedures.
- Food business compliance verification.
- Product traceability.
- Food quality monitoring.
- Consumer grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Supervision of food business operations.
- Adequacy of overall food safety compliance systems.
FSSAI Seeks Detailed Explanation
The regulator has directed the concerned Food Business Operator to:
- Submit a detailed explanation supported by documentary evidence addressing each alleged non-compliance.
- Provide details of quality assurance systems, food safety monitoring, inventory management, stock rotation, hygiene standards, storage practices, handling procedures and internal control mechanisms.
- Submit corrective and preventive action (CAPA) reports, including root cause analysis, consumer grievance handling and measures adopted to prevent recurrence of similar incidents.
- Furnish the required compliance report within the stipulated timeline, failing which appropriate action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 may be initiated.
Regulatory Process Underway
The issuance of a show cause notice is part of the regulatory process and provides the concerned entity an opportunity to submit its explanation before any further action is considered.
Swiggy Instamart’s response to the FSSAI notices was not part of the material released by the regulator at the time of publication.
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