Swiggy Instamart receives 9 FSSAI notices over contaminated eggs and milk, spoiled ‘Kakke da Paratha’, more complaints | Today’s news
Swiggy Instamart has received as many as nine notices from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India following numerous consumer complaints alleging multiple violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS) 2006.
What were the complaints about Swiggy Instamart?
The FSSAI said consumer complaints indicated that “expired, spoiled, rotten, contaminated and otherwise unsafe” food products were being supplied through Swiggy Instamart. FSSAI shared key observations that included these claims.
1. The FSSAI said that ‘NOICE’ eggs were allegedly being marketed under a brand name which did not fall under the product categories approved under the existing FSSAI licence.
“The food business operator has been directed not to market the product unless it is covered by a valid license and to apply for modification of the license if necessary,” FSSAI said.
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2. He added that “Healthify 100% Whey Protein 1kg” and “Noice Homestyle Madras Mixture with Peanuts” were allegedly supplied after their expiry date.
3. The “Akshayakalpa Organic Egg” was reportedly found expired, rotten, emitting an unpleasant odor with signs of contamination, making it unfit for human consumption.
4. The “Kakke da Paratha” was reportedly found spoiled, with an unpleasant smell and was said to be unfit for consumption.
5. The infant formula was reportedly found in a very deteriorated and unsafe condition, showing signs of contamination and improper storage and handling. After the defective product was returned, the consumer was allegedly resupplied with the same product.
6. The complaints also cited deliveries of contaminated eggs and milk, along with damaged packaged foods, through Instamart.
7. The notifications also raised concerns regarding incorrect, invalid or non-existent FSSAI license number and food business entities allegedly listed under names other than those listed in their FSSAI registration.
8. Some complaints alleged that no satisfactory response, complaint redressal or remedial action was taken despite complaints being escalated or escalated, while one complaint stated that only a refund was offered without addressing reported food safety concerns.
9. The announcement raised concerns about vendor registration, compliance verification, 10 traceability, food quality monitoring, consumer complaint handling, oversight of food business operations and the adequacy of food safety compliance systems.
The FSSAI has taken action in response to these complaints and ordered food businesses to:
1. Submit a detailed explanation supported by documentary evidence that addresses the alleged non-compliance and the circumstances that led to the reported incidents.
2. Submit details of quality assurance, food safety monitoring, inventory management, stock rotation, hygiene, storage, handling procedures and internal controls adopted to ensure food safety compliance
3. Provide details of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), root cause analysis, consumer complaint redressal, and measures implemented to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
4. Submit the required explanation/compliance report within the stipulated time (as directed) failing which appropriate action may be initiated under the FSS Act, 2006.
