The central government is reportedly preparing to introduce stricter regulatory norms for dark stores operated by quick commerce firms, particularly those involved in fast food deliveries, in response to growing hygiene and food safety concerns.
This development follows recent enforcement actions by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) against industry leaders Zepto and Blinkit. Earlier this month, the FDA suspended the food business licence of Kiranakart Technologies, the parent company of Zepto, citing hygiene lapses at its dark store in Mumbai’s Dharavi. In a similar move, the agency ordered the closure of a Blinkit-associated dark store in Pune’s Balewadi area for allegedly operating without a valid licence.
According to an Economic Times report, senior officials from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs confirmed that the government has taken note of repeated food safety complaints and the substandard conditions at certain delivery hubs.
“It’s a work in progress… the government has been receiving several complaints from consumers as well as retailers and vendors,” a senior official was quoted as saying. “It’s a serious issue that multiple departments will need to work together towards to address.”
Officials also indicated that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is expected to spearhead this initiative. Plans are underway to ramp up unannounced inspections across dark stores, warehouses, and storage facilities run by quick commerce companies nationwide.
India’s quick commerce sector has seen rapid growth and is projected to reach a market size of $9.95 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.60%. In 2024, quick commerce accounted for more than two-thirds of all online grocery orders, highlighting the importance of ensuring robust safety standards across its operations.
