India, June 2 -- The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business license of Kiranakart Technologies Pvt. Ltd.-the parent company of quick-commerce platform Zepto-for its Dharavi facility, citing serious violations of food safety and hygiene norms.

The action follows a surprise inspection on May 31 by food safety officer Ram Bodke, conducted under the direction of Minister of State for FDA Yogesh Kadam and supervision of Joint Commissioner (Food) Mangesh Mane. The inspection revealed multiple breaches of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

According to the FDA's report, inspectors found several food items with visible fungal growth, while others were stored in proximity to stagnant, clogged water-r...