Food safety officials discovered expired ingredients and labeling violations during inspections at Zomato’s Hyperpure warehouse in Bengaluru, according to recent reports. The inspection, part of a broader crackdown on food safety standards, identified multiple issues affecting product quality and compliance with regulations. The findings included expired idli rava and coconut powder at the Arogya Soudha canteen, where food storage practices failed to meet Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines. Pest control measures were also absent at the site. The inspection of Zomato’s Hyperpure warehouse at Sakalawara Nagar uncovered several violations, though the physical premises were described as clean. Officials noted discrepancies in product labeling, including 300 kg of rice, 20 kg of dry fruits, and 15 kg of masala mislabeled. Additionally, 146 kg of chicken lacked valid FSSAI license numbers, and 40 kg of garlic was associated with an inactive license. Another issue involved 10 kg of imported radish pickle stored improperly, failing to adhere to refrigeration requirements specified on the label. During the inspection, 40 samples were collected, five legal and 35 survey samples, for further analysis. The Food Safety and Drug Administration issued a formal notice to Zomato’s Hyperpure unit, warning of potential legal consequences under relevant laws. Zomato has yet to provide a public response to these findings, despite requests from the Hindustan Times. The Hyperpure warehouse serves as a key supplier to numerous hotels, making it a critical node in the food supply chain. Inspections focused on verifying compliance with licensing, labeling, refrigeration, and food handling protocols under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The inspection was conducted under the supervision of Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enforcing food safety standards across all sectors. This inspection follows a series of food safety raids across Bengaluru, targeting restaurants and hotel kitchens. At Skyye Lounge in UB City, officials found 45 kg of rotten meat, 6 kg of mold-affected vegetable cutlets, and 15 liters of used cooking oil. The kitchen was temporarily closed following these discoveries. Similar actions were taken at Royal Chain Hotel, Madras Kitchen, Tescon Hotel, and Sanchez, where food products were either seized or discarded. Overall, 132 kg of food items and 15 liters of used cooking oil were removed from these establishments. The campaign highlighted widespread lapses in food handling and storage, prompting stricter oversight. Beyond restaurants, the focus expanded to warehouses and distribution centers. A Zepto warehouse in Hoskote was sealed due to violations concerning food labeling, handling, and storage. This move underscores growing regulatory attention toward logistics hubs that play a vital role in maintaining food integrity. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, the FDA intensified its efforts, sealing a Blinkit store in Thane after a video circulated showing a rat in an ice cream freezer. Customers in Mangalore reported foul-smelling chicken from a KFC outlet, leading to a raid and closure of the establishment. These incidents reflect a nationwide trend of increased scrutiny on food safety practices across diverse sectors. Regulatory bodies have also targeted major brands, including Dabur, Old Monk, and quick commerce platforms like Zepto, Blinkit, and Instamart. Restaurant chains such as KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Subway, Burger King, Starbucks, and Monginis have undergone inspections, revealing instances of mislabeling and improper storage. In Maharashtra, the FDA issued show-cause notices to Bollywood celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn, over an advertisement for a pan masala company. These actions demonstrate the broad scope of food safety enforcement, extending beyond traditional food service providers to include advertising and branding practices.
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