FDA suspends licences of Zepto in Bhandup and Breeze Vasi in Malad West over hygiene lapses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra has taken strict action at two places in Mumbai. The food business licence of quick commerce company Zepto has been suspended in Bhandup. Similarly, the FSSAI licence of the well-known establishment Breeze Vasi in Malad West has also been suspended.

According to the FDA, serious lapses relating to cleanliness and safety were found at both places. These lapses led the administration to suspend the licences.

On the actual reason for the action, the FDA said that conditions found at the relevant centres for storage and delivery of food items could prove harmful to people's health. Safe handling and storage of grain and food items, and several other rules, were found to have been ignored. The action was taken after lapses that could endanger citizens' health were found.

This action is not an isolated incident. With the festival season in view, the FDA is running a special food safety drive across the state. The action in Bhandup and Malad West was taken as part of this drive.

Since IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe was made Commissioner of the Food and Drug department in the state, strict action is being taken against adulterators. Under his leadership, the FDA is carrying out actions in quick succession across the state. The administration has taken a highly aggressive stance against establishments that play with customers' health during the festivals. The FDA has taken similar direct action in Mumbai as well.

In sum, the food business licence of quick commerce company Zepto in Bhandup and the FSSAI licence of Breeze Vasi in Malad West have been suspended. In both cases, the FDA has cited serious lapses in cleanliness and safety as the grounds.