The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued nine notices to quick-commerce platform Swiggy Instamart following a series of consumer complaints alleging the supply of expired, spoiled and contaminated food products, intensifying regulatory scrutiny of India's fast-growing instant delivery sector.
The notices were issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, after consumers reported receiving food items that were allegedly unfit for consumption. According to FSSAI, many complainants also claimed that their grievances were not adequately addressed despite repeated escalations.
Expired products, rotten eggs among violations flagged
The food regulator cited several instances of alleged food safety violations. These included the delivery of expired whey protein supplements, Madras mixture supplied beyond its expiry date, and organic eggs that were reportedly rotten, foul-smelling and contaminated.
Other complaints involved spoiled ready-to-eat food, including parathas that allegedly emitted a foul odour upon delivery, rendering them unfit for consumption.
FSSAI also flagged a complaint involving an infant food formulation that was allegedly delivered in a highly deteriorated condition, with signs of contamination and improper storage. According to the complaint, the same product was supplied again even after the defective item had been returned.
Licensing, hygiene practices under scanner
Apart from product quality, the regulator raised concerns over alleged irregularities in licensing and compliance. The notices cited instances of incorrect, invalid or non-existent FSSAI licence numbers and food businesses being listed under names that did not match their official registrations.
Also read: Now, Swiggy is an Indian-owned company
FSSAI has directed Swiggy Instamart to submit a comprehensive explanation supported by documentary evidence. The company has also been asked to provide details of its quality assurance mechanisms, food safety monitoring systems, inventory management, storage conditions and hygiene protocols.
The regulator warned that failure to provide a satisfactory compliance report could result in appropriate legal action.
Swiggy says reviewing flagged listings
Responding to the notices, a Swiggy Instamart spokesperson said the company is reviewing the products identified by FSSAI and is working with the authorities to resolve the concerns.
The action comes as India's quick-commerce industry continues to expand rapidly, with millions of consumers relying on ultra-fast delivery platforms for groceries and daily essentials. The sector has witnessed explosive growth in recent years, prompting regulators to tighten oversight over food safety, storage standards and quality control.
The FSSAI's latest move signals a stronger regulatory focus on ensuring that online grocery and food delivery platforms adhere to prescribed safety standards and maintain greater accountability in handling food products supplied to consumers.
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