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Zepto has been stirring controversy over allegations of food safety violations and mistreatment of delivery partners.

The former Zepto employee revealed delivering expired products.
(Photo Credit: X)
Once hailed as a rising star in India’s quick commerce sector, Zepto is now facing serious scrutiny over food safety violations. Multiple reports have emerged of rotten groceries being delivered and unsanitary warehouse conditions, prompting the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration to suspend the company’s license.
Amid the growing controversy, a former Zepto employee has come forward, claiming to expose the “ugly truth” behind the company’s working process, further fueling concerns about its operations and commitment to consumer safety.
“I worked at Zepto for 3 years—and I can’t stay silent anymore,” a former employee wrote in a now-viral post. “Once, a customer ordered Greek yoghurt. We had only three left—all expired. Still, our store in-charge said, ‘Give it anyway.’”
“People think Zepto is hygienic. It’s not. The reality is disgusting. Every monsoon, our Pune store floods with gutter water—right where your groceries are packed. We’ve worked 9+ hours standing in that dirty water without shoes. Many of us fell sick, but no one got medical compensation. Fruits and vegetables come in damaged and rotting—we’re still told to pack and deliver them. Expired products are sent without hesitation,” the individual wrote in a Reddit post.
The employee strongly asserted that Zepto’s operations are not just unhygienic but also unethical, adding that the customers deserve to know the truth.
The post went quickly viral, sparking reactions from users. One wrote, “Blinkit and Bigbasket are way better than shady sites; I don’t know why customers order from them,” while another added, “Eggs are always spoiled when ordered online.”
One of the users shared his own experience with online grocery orders, stating how the delivery partner did not arrive as expected and instead came with the order the next morning. “These apps were supposed to make our lives easier, but they’re doing the opposite. Delayed orders, poor customer support, and no accountability. I’ve had enough; I’ve deleted them all,” the comment continued.
Earlier this month, the Maharashtra FDA suspended the food business license of Zepto in Mumbai’s Dharavi, citing non-compliance with food safety standards. The decision was taken after a raid at a Zepto facility when the authorities found fungal growth on food items, inadequate cold storage, unhygienic surroundings and unexpired stock.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
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Delhi, India, India
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