Which companies had their warehouse permits suspended by Maharashtra's food safety chief, and what were the main hygiene violations found?

Maharashtra's food safety chief, Tukaram Mundhe, suspended the permits of 12 warehouses across Eternal's Blinkit (5 warehouses), Zepto (5 warehouses), and Swiggy's Instamart (2 warehouses). The primary violations cited included cockroach infestations, rotten vegetables, rodent droppings, unhygienic storage conditions, and delivery staff entering storage areas wearing street footwear — all documented during inspections conducted by the state's Food and Drug Administration.

What broader context does the article provide for this crackdown, and how does it reflect on enforcement trends in India's food sector?

The article frames the crackdown as part of a newly intensified enforcement drive under Mundhe, who recently shut popular Mumbai eateries and even four Domino's outlets — notable given Domino's reputation for stricter safety protocols. It emphasizes that while food contamination reports are common in India, 'historically there has been little enforcement of food safety standards', making Mundhe's rigorous approach unusually visible and newsworthy. The action also spotlights the rapidly growing $13 billion quick commerce sector — which handles 9 million daily orders and has attracted billions in foreign investment — now facing regulatory scrutiny over its operational hygiene practices.

India State Food Safety Chief Targets Eternal, Swiggy, Zepto in Sweeping Crackdown

Aug 15, 2026

Maharashtra regulators suspended warehouse permits for Eternal, Swiggy, and Zepto due to severe hygiene violations like cockroach infestations. This enforcement action intensifies scrutiny over the $13 billion quick commerce sector's food safety standards.

reuters

2026-08-15

India State Food Safety Chief Targets Eternal, Swiggy, Zepto in Sweeping Crackdown

India State Food Safety Chief Targets Eternal, Swiggy, Zepto in Sweeping Crackdown

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