FSSAI issues 9 notices to Swiggy Instamart over alleged supply of expired, rotten food products

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart after receiving multiple consumer complaints alleging the supply of expired, rotten and contaminated food products through the quick-commerce platform. The regulator has directed the company to submit a detailed explanation and compliance report, warning that failure to do so could invite legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Swiggy Instamart, the quick-commerce arm of Swiggy, said it is reviewing the concerns flagged by the regulator. "We are reviewing the flagged listings by FSSAI and are in touch with the authorities to resolve the same," an Instamart spokesperson said.

FSSAI flags multiple food safety violations

In a post on social media platform X, FSSAI said it had "issued 9 notices to Swiggy Instamart following multiple consumer complaints alleging violations under the FSS Act 2006."

According to the regulator, complaints received against the platform included allegations of delivery of expired, spoiled, rotten, contaminated and otherwise unsafe food products.

Elaborating on the complaints, FSSAI said, "An infant food formulation was reportedly found in a highly deteriorated and unsafe condition, showing signs of contamination and improper storage and handling."

The regulator further noted that even after the product was returned, the same item was allegedly supplied again. Other complaints involved contaminated eggs and milk, besides damaged packaged food products delivered through the platform.

Licence discrepancies, grievance redressal under scrutiny

Apart from food quality concerns, FSSAI said it found instances of incorrect, invalid or non-existent FSSAI licence numbers. In certain cases, food business operators were allegedly listed under names different from those reflected in their FSSAI registrations.

The regulator also flagged shortcomings in customer grievance handling.

"Some complaints alleged that no satisfactory response, grievance redressal or corrective action was taken despite the complaints being forwarded or escalated, while one complaint stated that only a refund was offered without addressing the reported food safety concerns," FSSAI said.

Regulator seeks compliance report

According to FSSAI, the notices raise concerns over seller onboarding practices, compliance verification, traceability, food quality monitoring, supervision of food business operators and the adequacy of food safety compliance systems on the platform.

The regulator has asked Swiggy Instamart to furnish a detailed explanation and compliance report, failing which appropriate legal action may be initiated.

The notices were issued based on both suo motu cognisance and consumer complaints. In recent weeks, FSSAI has stepped up regulatory scrutiny across the food and beverage sector, issuing notices to energy drink manufacturers, alcoholic beverage companies, food businesses and quick-commerce platforms over alleged violations of food safety norms.