Zomato bans analogue dairy dishes amid Maharashtra food safety crackdown

Zomato, the food ordering and delivery platform owned by Eternal Ltd, has announced a zero-tolerance policy on dishes containing analogue dairy products, amid a state-wide crackdown by Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that has led to the suspension of licences of several eateries. 

Under the new policy, Zomato has immediately delisted dishes that restaurant partners have declared as containing analogue dairy products. The company has also reserved the right to remove any listing found to be in violation of its policy. 

In a press release, Zomato said the move was aimed at strengthening transparency and food-quality standards for consumers. The company has directed restaurant partners to take immediate corrective measures, including switching to natural dairy products and removing items containing analogue dairy products from their menus if an immediate transition is not feasible. 

Restaurants have also been asked to review product labels and ingredient declarations provided by suppliers to verify the ingredients being used and ensure that products listed on Zomato are accurately represented. 

“Restaurant partners that remain non-compliant will be delisted from the platform,” the company said. 

Broader focus on healthier food

Zomato said the policy builds on its broader focus on healthier food choices and greater transparency for customers while remaining consistent with applicable regulatory requirements. 

Aditya Mangla, CEO of Zomato, said, “At Zomato, our core mission is better food for more people, and that means safeguarding customer health and upholding clear standards for what’s listed and served by our restaurant partners. This policy reflects that commitment, one we’re taking together with partners who share it.” 

The move comes against the backdrop of increased scrutiny of analogue dairy products by food safety authorities in Maharashtra. The state FDA has been taking action against eateries over alleged violations of food safety norms, including the use of ingredients that may not meet prescribed standards. 

Meanwhile, shares of Eternal Ltd were trading at ₹326.65 apiece on the NSE at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, down 0.41%.