Source-led article
FSSAI Issues Nine Notices to Swiggy Instamart Over Alleged Expired and Unsafe Products
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has served nine notices to Swiggy Instamart. This action comes after a series of consumer complaints alleging the delivery of expired, spoiled, and contaminated food items through the quick commerce platform. The complaints also highlight broader concerns about food safety compliance, licensing discrepancies, and inadequate grievance redressal mechanisms on the platform.
Key facts
| Regulator | FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) |
|---|---|
| Platform | Swiggy Instamart |
| Issue | Alleged delivery of expired, spoiled, and contaminated food products |
| Action | Nine notices issued |
Details of Consumer Complaints
The FSSAI’s intervention was prompted by various consumer reports. Several instances cited products delivered past their expiry dates, including “NOICE” brand eggs, Healthify 100% whey protein, and NOICE homestyle Madras mixture with peanuts. In one significant case, “NOICE” brand eggs were allegedly marketed under a brand name not covered by an existing FSSAI license, prompting the regulator to direct a halt in sales until proper licensing was secured.
Other complaints detailed the delivery of Akshayakalpa Organic Eggs and Kakke da Paratha in rotten or spoiled conditions, emitting foul odors. A particularly concerning incident involved an infant food formulation delivered in a deteriorated and unsafe state, showing signs of contamination and improper storage. The same defective item was reportedly supplied again after the consumer initially returned it. Additional complaints included contaminated eggs and milk, as well as damaged packaged food products.
Broader Regulatory Concerns
Beyond individual incidents, the FSSAI identified systemic issues within Swiggy Instamart’s operations. These include incorrect, invalid, or non-existent license numbers for food businesses listed on the platform and discrepancies between listed business names and their regulatory registrations. The regulator also noted that many complaints were not adequately addressed, with some consumers reportedly offered refunds without further action on the underlying food safety issues.
The notices also flagged potential weaknesses in seller onboarding processes, compliance verification, product traceability, food quality monitoring, and consumer grievance redressal systems. The FSSAI is questioning the overall adequacy of Instamart’s food safety controls.
FSSAI Demands Explanation and Corrective Actions
In response to these allegations, the FSSAI has demanded a detailed explanation from Swiggy Instamart. This explanation must be supported by documentary evidence regarding the alleged violations and the circumstances leading to these incidents. The quick commerce platform is also required to provide comprehensive details of its quality assurance protocols, food safety monitoring, inventory management, stock rotation practices, and storage and handling procedures.
The regulator has further requested information on corrective and preventive measures taken, root cause analyses, and steps implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Failure to submit a compliance report within the stipulated period could result in legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Separate FSSAI Order for Swiggy Food Delivery
This development follows a separate prohibition order issued by the FSSAI to Swiggy concerning its general food delivery platform, Toing. Swiggy clarified to stock exchanges that this earlier matter was related solely to updating license particulars and did not involve food safety concerns. The company stated it addressed the regulator’s observations and received a modified FSSAI license on July 9, confirming no monetary penalty was imposed and the order had no major impact on its operations or financial position.