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AICPDF raises serious concerns over sealing of godown linked to online platform
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Saturday, 07 June, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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The All India Consumer Products' Distribution Federation (AICPDF) has raised 'serious concerns' on recent development in the retail and distribution ecosystem, where a godown linked to online platform 'Zepto' was sealed by the FDA in Mumbai for violations of food safety norms. AICPDF called the incident a highlight of the functioning of quick commerce platforms and their operational compliance.
"What is concerning is that despite Zepto’s consistent public claim that inventory is held and managed by independent sellers or dark store operators—and not by the platform itself—Zepto has been actively issuing statements and is reportedly pursuing efforts to get the suspension revoked. This raises a critical and fundamental question: If the inventory does not belong to Zepto, then on what basis is the company intervening in the regulatory process," reads a statement issued by the AICPDF.
AICPDF added that quick commerce platforms often claim to operate as intermediaries, distancing themselves from inventory ownership or retail operations to avoid liability. Yet, the current situation suggests otherwise. "If Zepto is taking responsibility for the sealed facility, it indirectly affirms their involvement in inventory handling, which contradicts their operational declarations," the statement added.
Dhairyashil Patil, national president, AICPDF, stated, "This episode clearly exposes the duplicity in the business models of quick commerce platforms. You cannot claim to be just a tech enabler and then attempt to overturn regulatory action against a facility you officially don’t own or operate. Such behaviour not only misleads regulators but also puts consumers at risk. It’s high time the government and FSSAI demand complete transparency and enforce strict accountability from these platforms."
AICPDF urged the authorities to, 'verify the actual ownership and control of inventory in quick commerce operations, investigate who is legally and operationally responsible for food safety and quality compliance, and ensure that platforms operating in the commerce space are not escaping accountability through technicalities.
"This incident should serve as a wake-up call to bring quick commerce under proper regulatory scrutiny. Platforms cannot operate in a grey zone—benefiting from control over pricing, delivery, and branding—while evading responsibility for safety and standards," said Patil.
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