Swiggy Instamart receives 9 notices from food regulator over quality complaints

FSSAI has issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart over consumer complaints about expired, spoiled and contaminated food deliveries. The regulator has sought detailed compliance records and warned of legal action if the response is delayed.

In Short

• Complaints cited expired whey protein, mixture, eggs and spoiled paratha deliveries
• An infant formula was allegedly redelivered despite being returned defective
• NOICE Eggs were reportedly sold under a category outside licence coverage

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart following multiple consumer complaints alleging the delivery of expired, spoiled, contaminated and unsafe food products through the quick-commerce platform.

The regulator said the complaints point to alleged violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including the sale of expired food items, improper storage and handling, misleading licensing information, and inadequate consumer grievance redressal.

EXPIRED AND CONTAMINATED PRODUCTS FLAGGED

Among the key allegations, consumers reportedly received expired, rotten and contaminated food products through Swiggy Instamart. FSSAI also noted that NOICE Eggs were allegedly marketed under a brand category not covered by the existing FSSAI licence. The regulator directed the food business operator (FBO) not to market the product unless it is covered under a valid licence and to seek licence modification, if required.

The notices also cite complaints that Healthify 100% Whey Protein (1 kg) and Noice Homestyle Madras Mixture with Peanuts were supplied after their expiry dates.

In another case, Akshayakalpa Organic Eggs were allegedly delivered in an expired and rotten condition, emitting a foul odour and showing visible signs of contamination. The complaint further claimed that no corrective action was taken despite repeated escalation.

A Kakke da Paratha product was also reportedly found spoiled and emitting a foul smell, rendering it unfit for consumption.

INFANT FORMULA AMONG PRODUCTS UNDER SCRUTINY

FSSAI also highlighted a complaint involving an infant food formulation that was allegedly delivered in a highly deteriorated and unsafe condition, showing signs of contamination and improper storage. According to the regulator, the same product was reportedly supplied again even after the defective item had been returned.

Additional complaints involved contaminated eggs and milk, along with damaged packaged food products delivered through the platform.

LICENSING AND COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

The food regulator's notices also raised concerns over incorrect, invalid or non-existent FSSAI licence numbers and food business entities allegedly operating under names different from those registered with FSSAI.

FSSAI further pointed to alleged deficiencies in seller onboarding, compliance verification, traceability, food quality monitoring, and supervision of food business activities.

The regulator also noted that some consumers claimed they did not receive satisfactory responses after escalating complaints, while in one case only a refund was reportedly offered without addressing the food safety issue.

FSSAI SEEKS EXPLANATION, WARNS OF LEGAL ACTION

FSSAI has directed the concerned food business operator to submit a detailed explanation, along with documentary evidence, addressing the alleged violations.

The regulator has also sought details of the company's quality assurance systems, food safety monitoring, inventory management, stock rotation, hygiene, storage and handling practices, and internal control mechanisms.

In addition, the operator has been asked to submit a report on corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), root cause analysis, consumer grievance redressal measures, and steps taken to prevent recurrence.

FSSAI warned that failure to submit the compliance report within the stipulated time could lead to appropriate legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

- Ends