India's food safety system is facing intense scrutiny as recent inspections uncover expired food, poor hygiene, pest infestations, spoiled products and labeling violations across restaurants, hotels, dairy manufacturers and quick-commerce warehouses.

Authorities in Karnataka reportedly found expired meat, mushrooms and other perishable items at hotels in Mysuru and Mangaluru, while a KFC outlet in Mangaluru was sealed following a complaint involving spoiled chicken. Uttar Pradesh has also moved against products being sold as dairy items without meeting prescribed food safety standards.

In Maharashtra, food safety authorities suspended permits at 12 warehouses operated by major grocery and quick-commerce companies after inspections reportedly found cockroach infestations and other unhygienic conditions. Meanwhile, a CAG audit highlighted questions over penalties that were not levied by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in cases involving mandatory returns.

India's Food Safety Crisis: Expired Food, Pests & Hygiene Violations Exposed | Watch 

Quick-commerce company Zepto has come under scrutiny after Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration shut a Zepto warehouse in Hoskote on the outskirts of Bengaluru following a surprise inspection.

Authorities reportedly observed several food safety violations, including non-compliant labelling, misbranding, unhygienic food handling and improper storage conditions.

Zepto said the inspection was routine and that the observations and recommendations shared by the food safety department would be addressed. The company also said it remains committed to maintaining food safety and hygiene standards.

The action comes amid a wider food safety crackdown in Karnataka. A three-day special inspection drive in Bengaluru recently uncovered violations at several upscale hotels, including expired food products, mislabelling, unhygienic handling, improper meat storage and inadequate segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items.

Karnataka Cracks Down on Zepto | Bengaluru Warehouse Sealed Over Food Safety Violations

India’s quick commerce platforms Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato and Swiggy are moving away from 10-minute delivery promises following intervention by Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The decision comes after a nationwide flash strike by gig workers on December 31, who cited safety risks, accidents and health concerns linked to extreme delivery timelines. This video explains what triggered the government’s move, how platforms have responded, and why worker unions are calling it a significant victory for gig worker rights and welfare.

10-Minute Delivery Stopped: Government Intervention Forces Quick Commerce Platforms to Act