Bengaluru's food safety crackdown widened on Tuesday, with officials sealing a Zepto warehouse in Hoskote taluk after finding alleged violations including non-compliant labelling, misbranding and unhygienic food handling and storage, TOI reported.
The warehouse, operated by Nippon Express, was inspected by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department as part of a special drive conducted on August 11 under the guidance of Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader.
The Food Safety Wing inspected the facility for compliance with requirements covering food quality, safety, storage, labelling and handling under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.
The report, citing officials, said the warehouse was sealed in view of the unhygienic handling and storage conditions. A notice was issued to the facility, while the department recommended filing a case before the competent Adjudicating Officer for further legal action.
Zepto said it fully cooperated with authorities during the inspection and had taken note of the observations and suggestions shared, adding that it is taking the necessary steps to address them.
“Routine food safety inspections are conducted by authorities across the country as part of their regular oversight,” a Zepto spokesperson said, adding that the company remained committed to continuously strengthening its processes and maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene.
Separately, Bengaluru North City Corporation imposed a Rs 25,000 penalty on Zepto in Thanisandra for allegedly failing to maintain cleanliness at the location.
