The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food safety licences of Zepto’s Bhandup facility and Brijwasi eatery in Malad following inspections that identified hygiene, sanitation and food safety deficiencies posing potential risks to public health.
The action was part of a statewide special inspection drive conducted during the festive season to strengthen food safety compliance and prevent the sale of unsafe food products.
Zepto Facility Faces Action After FDA Inspection
The FDA inspected Zepto’s facility at Gopal Estate on Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg in Bhandup on October 7, 2026. According to the department, the inspection revealed serious violations of hygiene and sanitary requirements under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Following the findings, the authorities suspended the facility’s food safety licence as part of enforcement measures aimed at ensuring compliance with prescribed food safety standards.
Brijwasi Licence Suspended in Malad
The FDA also inspected M/s Krishnam Retails LLP, which operates under the Brijwasi name in Malad West, on October 9, 2026.
The inspection reportedly identified deficiencies considered to pose a serious risk to public health. Consequently, the establishment’s FSSAI licence was suspended with immediate effect from October 10 under Sections 32(1) and 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
However, the FDA did not publicly detail the specific violations found at the Brijwasi premises in the information provided.
Training Date: 19 to 24 Oct 2026
Statewide Festive Season Crackdown
The suspensions were part of a broader enforcement campaign carried out across Maharashtra ahead of and during the festive season. The drive targeted food safety violations, unhygienic practices and the circulation of prohibited food products.
According to the reported enforcement figures, the statewide operation resulted in:
- Seizure of banned food products worth ₹1.44 crore
- Registration of 10 First Information Reports (FIRs)
- Arrest of six individuals
- Suspension of food safety licences at the inspected establishments in Mumbai
The action reflects the regulator’s focus on strengthening food safety oversight during a period when demand for sweets, packaged foods and other festive products typically increases.
Importance of Food Safety Compliance
Food businesses are required to maintain proper sanitation, hygienic handling practices, suitable storage conditions and compliance with applicable food safety regulations. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to regulatory action, including improvement notices, licence suspension and other penalties, depending on the nature of the violations and applicable legal provisions.
For food retailers, quick-commerce platforms and restaurants, these inspections underline the importance of maintaining effective food safety management systems across storage, handling and distribution operations.
What This Means for Food Businesses
The latest action serves as a reminder that food safety compliance must be maintained consistently, not just during inspections or festive periods. Businesses should regularly review their sanitation procedures, staff hygiene practices, storage conditions and internal compliance checks to reduce risks and protect consumers.
📢 Be Aware, We never charge any consultancy fee for jobs.
📲 Foodtech Network WhatsApp Jobs Group
Click to join the WhatsApp group
👥Free Membership (For Jobs, Internship and Training)
Membership registration
⚙️ Food Entrepreneurs & Startups (For business owners)
Our services (Free and Paid)
📱 Food safety training and certification.
Check our training portal and enroll now
