India’s food regulator FSSAI has issued fresh show-cause notices targeting quick commerce unicorn Zepto and several nutraceutical and food brands amid growing scrutiny over expired products, misleading claims, and improper use of certification marks.
- Zepto questioned over expired gram flour delivery and documentation.
- Nutraceutical brands cited for misleading health claims and expired certifications.
- FSSAI demands corrective actions to avoid penalties or license suspension.
What happened
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued show-cause notices to Zepto and several food and nutraceutical brands based on consumer complaints and identified labelling violations. Zepto’s notice followed reports on social media alleging delivery of expired gram flour packets. The regulator requested detailed data including order logs, seller information, warehouse tracking, and evidence of recall and refunds from the platform.
Alongside Zepto, BMS Lifescience and HealthyHey Foods were flagged for misleading labelling, expired FSSAI registration certificates, unapproved health claims, and incorrect use of the FSSAI logo. Bakelite Food Processing faced scrutiny for marketing a bakery product as 'creamy' despite lacking cream or dairy ingredients. These actions are part of a broader campaign to clamp down on food safety non-compliances and deceptive marketing.
Why it matters
This intensified regulatory intervention highlights the growing vigilance by Indian authorities over food safety and consumer protection in the expanding e-commerce and nutraceutical markets. Misleading labelling, false health claims, and delivery of expired products undermine consumer trust and risk public health.
For Zepto, the show-cause notice compounds ongoing regulatory and legal challenges ahead of its anticipated public listing, including allegations related to consumer protection, labour violations, and ownership inquiries. The FSSAI’s firm stance signals potential operational and reputational risks for companies across the food and quick commerce sectors in India.
What to watch next
FSSAI has set deadlines for the involved companies to submit written explanations and corrective action plans. Failure to comply could result in license suspensions and statutory penalties. Observers will closely monitor how Zepto and the notified brands respond to the regulator’s demands and implement compliance measures.
The crackdown is expected to continue across the food e-commerce ecosystem, with heightened scrutiny on product labelling, advertising claims, and supply chain transparency. Upcoming enforcement outcomes will be pivotal in shaping industry standards and consumer protection approaches in India’s fast-growing food and nutraceutical markets.