Outlook Business Desk
In the past two to three months, nearly a dozen packaged food companies have lodged formal complaints with quick commerce platforms, citing significant lapses in storage and handling practices.
These companies described various specific hygiene violations, reflecting a growing apprehension about the safety and quality of food products dispatched from these facilities.
Government authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), are increasing inspections due to these issues.
Packaged foods lead quick commerce sales with a 28% share, followed by dairy at 22%, beverages 15%, personal care 13%, and household essentials 9% , as reported by Economic Times.
Packaged food and dairy together account for 50% of quick commerce sales, making hygiene lapses a major concern for these categories.
KRBL, a leading rice exporter, also highlighted the importance of maintaining hygiene standards in dark stores to ensure the quality of their products reaches consumers.
Varun Berry, managing director of Britannia Industries, emphasized the need for strict hygiene and safety standards to maintain consumer trust as quick commerce grows rapidly.
The complaints highlight wider concerns within the food industry about the quality and safety of products dispatched from quick commerce warehouses.