The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart after receiving multiple consumer complaints alleging the delivery of expired, spoiled, contaminated and unsafe food products through the quick-commerce platform.
According to the regulator, the complaints indicate possible violations of 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.
Complaints over expired and contaminated products
Among the allegations, consumers reportedly received expired, spoiled and contaminated food products through Swiggy Instamart. FSSAI also observed that NOICE Eggs were allegedly being sold under a product category that was not covered by the company's existing FSSAI licence. The regulator directed the food business operator (FBO) to discontinue marketing the product unless it is covered under a valid licence and to apply for a licence modification if necessary.
The notices further mention complaints that Healthify 100% Whey Protein (1 kg) and Noice Homestyle Madras Mixture with Peanuts were delivered after their expiry dates.
In another complaint, Akshayakalpa Organic Eggs were allegedly supplied in an expired and rotten condition, with consumers reporting a foul smell and visible contamination. The complaint also alleged that no corrective action was taken despite repeated follow-ups.
Another complaint involved a Kakke da Paratha product that was reportedly spoiled and emitted a foul odour, making it unfit for consumption.
Infant food among products under review
FSSAI also highlighted a complaint involving an infant food formulation that was allegedly delivered in a severely 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 original defective item had been returned.
Additional complaints cited contaminated eggs and milk, as well as damaged packaged food products delivered through the platform.
Licensing and compliance issues
The regulator's notices also raised concerns over incorrect, invalid or non-existent FSSAI licence numbers, along with allegations that some food business entities were operating under names different from those registered with the authority.
FSSAI further pointed to alleged shortcomings in seller onboarding, compliance verification, traceability, food quality monitoring and oversight of food business operations.
The regulator also noted complaints that some consumers did not receive satisfactory responses after escalating food safety concerns, while one complainant was reportedly offered only a refund without any action to address the underlying issue.
FSSAI seeks response
FSSAI has directed the concerned food business operator to submit a detailed explanation supported by documentary evidence addressing the alleged violations.
The regulator has also sought information regarding the company's quality assurance systems, food safety monitoring processes, inventory management, stock rotation practices, hygiene standards, storage and handling procedures, and internal control mechanisms.
Additionally, the operator has been asked to provide a report outlining its corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), root cause analysis, consumer grievance redressal process and measures implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FSSAI warned that failure to submit the required compliance report within the prescribed timeline could result in appropriate legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
