The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued nine notices to quick-commerce platform Swiggy Instamart following multiple consumer complaints alleging the delivery of expired, spoiled and unsafe food products. The action has been taken under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with the regulator seeking a detailed explanation and compliance report from the company.

According to FSSAI, the notices were issued after customers reported receiving food items that had crossed their expiry dates, spoiled packaged meals, rotten eggs and improperly stored baby food. The regulator warned that failure to provide a satisfactory response and implement corrective measures could lead to legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Consumer Complaints Trigger Regulatory Action

The complaints submitted to the food safety regulator alleged several violations involving food quality and safety standards on the Swiggy Instamart platform.

Consumers claimed they received expired food products, including Healthify Whey Protein and Noice Madras Mixture, while others reported receiving Akshayakalpa Organic Eggs that were allegedly rotten, expired and emitted a foul smell.

Another complaint involved a packaged meal, Kakke da Paratha, which customers said was spoiled and unfit for consumption due to its unpleasant odour.

Concerns Over Baby Food and Licensing

Among the more serious allegations was a complaint involving baby food. A customer reportedly received baby food that appeared dirty and improperly stored. Even after returning the product, the complainant alleged that the same defective item was delivered again.

The regulator also flagged concerns regarding products being marketed under brand names that allegedly did not possess the required government licence. One such complaint related to "Noice" branded eggs, raising questions over regulatory compliance.

These complaints prompted FSSAI to seek clarification from the company regarding its quality control mechanisms, storage practices and compliance with food safety regulations.

FSSAI Seeks Compliance Report

In the notices, FSSAI directed Swiggy Instamart, as the Food Business Operator (FBO), to submit a comprehensive explanation detailing the steps being taken to ensure that food products sold through its platform meet prescribed safety standards.

The regulator has asked the company to explain how it plans to prevent the sale and delivery of expired or unsafe food items in the future and strengthen monitoring across its supply chain.

FSSAI stated that if the company fails to submit a satisfactory explanation or address the identified shortcomings, appropriate legal proceedings may be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Customer Service Also Under Scrutiny

Several complainants alleged that while Swiggy Instamart refunded the purchase amount in some cases, the platform did not adequately address the underlying food safety concerns.

Consumers argued that merely issuing refunds without investigating or preventing similar incidents does not resolve potential public health risks associated with expired or contaminated food products.

The regulator is expected to examine whether existing grievance redressal and quality assurance mechanisms are sufficient to ensure consumer safety.

Part of Wider Regulatory Enforcement

The action against Swiggy Instamart comes amid increased scrutiny by FSSAI of food businesses across the country. In recent months, the regulator has also issued notices to companies including Lotte India and Kubera Foods over alleged violations of food safety norms.

The latest notices reinforce FSSAI's focus on ensuring that food products sold through both traditional retail channels and quick-commerce platforms comply with India's food safety standards.

As the quick-commerce sector continues to expand rapidly, regulators are placing greater emphasis on maintaining product quality, proper storage conditions and consumer safety across digital grocery delivery platforms.

Food Delivery Giants Raise Incentives as Gig Workers Continue Nationwide Strike

With a nationwide strike by gig workers disrupting food and grocery deliveries, leading delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato have announced increased incentives to motivate their workforce during the high-demand New Year’s Eve period.

According to company sources, Zomato has raised its peak-hour payouts to ₹120–₹150 per order for deliveries made between 6 pm and 12 am on December 31. The company also assured total earnings of up to ₹3,000 per day, depending on the number of completed orders and delivery availability.

No Penalty for Refusing Orders

Zomato has also announced a temporary waiver on penalties for delivery partners who refuse or cancel orders. The company described this as part of its standard operating protocol during festivities and year-end surges.

“This is part of our annual festive operating model that allows riders to maximize earnings without fear of penalties,” a Zomato spokesperson told PTI.

Swiggy Offers Bonuses Up to ₹10,000

In a similar move, Swiggy has rolled out special incentives worth up to ₹10,000 for delivery agents covering December 31 and January 1. The platform aims to ensure operational continuity amid the ongoing protest and increasing order demand during festive evenings.

Industry insiders say these incentives are designed to encourage participation despite the nationwide strike that could affect over one lakh delivery partners across states including Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi-NCR, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.

Nationwide Strike Continues Despite Festive Demand

According to reports by ANI and PTI, delivery workers remain on strike under the call by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT).
The unions are demanding better pay, social security, and recognition as formal employees. Despite this, analysts believe many workers may still log in due to higher earning opportunities during festive nights.

Karan Taurani, Executive Vice President at Elara Capital, notes,

“While participation in strikes is high, the New Year period offers strong monetary incentives. Many workers will likely continue deliveries.”

Top Reasons Behind Gig Workers’ Protests

Union leaders highlight five major grievances driving the current unrest:

• Lack of social security benefits such as health insurance or provident fund.
  
  

• Declining per-order incentives, which have fallen from ₹40–₹60 to ₹15–₹25.
  
  

• Strain of quick-commerce deadlines, forcing risky deliveries.
  
  

• Arbitrary blocking of IDs, leaving riders jobless without warning.
  
  

• Unclear legal status, as workers seek recognition as employees rather than “partners.”
  
  

Impact on Deliveries and Revenue

Analysts predict that the strike’s biggest impact will be seen in South Indian metro cities, where food and quick-commerce apps rely heavily on local riders. Order volumes are expected to drop by 10–20%, though the overall national revenue impact could remain moderate—around 0.3–0.7%.

Despite the challenges, both Swiggy and Zomato are optimistic about maintaining delivery continuity through incentives, extended support, and operational flexibility.