Cockroach infestation, FSSAI license expired among hygiene violations flagged at Zepto warehouse in Hyderabad

Food safety teams from Cyberabad Municipal Corporation found numerous hygiene violations during inspections conducted at Zepto warehouse in Hyderabad on June 23, 2026. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Food safety teams from the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) found numerous hygiene violations during inspections conducted at the Zepto warehouse and several restaurants across Hyderabad on June 23. While the inspection at the Zepto warehouse in Gajularamaram was conducted on the basis of a citizen’s complaint about the supply of expired milk products, inspections at other establishments also revealed serious deficiencies.

An inspection at the Zepto warehouse found that the facility was exhibiting in lieu of a renewed license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which had expired. An infestation of live cockroaches was observed in the premises, while rusted storage racks and poor maintenance conditions were noted under the shelves.

Inspectors also found insufficient spacing between walls and shelves, making cleaning difficult, in addition to greasy floors and cardboard boxes blocking the wash area. Records were not kept regarding the health of employees, pest control measures and cleaning schedules. During inspection, a package of chicken without a legible expiration date was discarded on the spot. Officials recommended issuing an improvement notice and directed management to strengthen hygiene, housekeeping, documentation and storage procedures.

Food safety teams from the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation found numerous hygiene violations during inspections conducted at the Zepto warehouse and several restaurants across Hyderabad on June 23. Photo credit: @CMC_Offcl on X

Rats, clogged drains at Platform 65 restaurant

At the Platform 65 restaurant in PNR Empire, inspectors observed rats inside the premises and found drains clogged with food particles. Bins were left open, expired food was stored in freezers and food was found uncovered, posing a risk of cross-contamination. The officials also noted the lack of maintenance of the freezer and improper segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Citing the seriousness of the violation, the food safety team recommended suspension of the facility’s FSSAI license and ordered immediate corrective action.

Food safety teams from Cyberabad Municipal Corporation found numerous hygiene violations during inspections conducted at Zepto warehouse and several restaurants across Hyderabad on June 23 | Photo credit: @CMC_Offcl on X

House fly at the Iguru restaurant

At the Iguru restaurant in Khajaguda, officials found uncovered dustbins, houseflies in the kitchen, dishwasher and storage, and the absence of proper labels on semi-finished and prepared foods. Records regarding water testing, packaging materials and pest control were not available. Refrigerators were not demarcated for vegetarian and non-vegetarian storage, food waste accumulated in drains and a container of cooked fish curry was placed right on the floor. The inspection also revealed the accumulation of dust on the ceilings in the washing machine and the warehouse.

At the SVM Grand Hotel in Bachupally, inspectors found uncovered dustbins, a slippery kitchen floor, broken tiles and a cockroach infestation. Food stored in freezers lacked proper labels, while food preparation areas and vegetable storage trays were maintained in unsanitary conditions.

At The Rameshwaram Cafe near Image Gardens, officials observed butter thawing in water placed next to a drain, posing a risk of contamination. The drain in the grinding area was clogged with food particles and trash cans were found uncovered.

Published – 24 Jun 2026 10:25 IST