Swiggy Instamart gets 9 FSSAI notices in 2026 on food safety

What triggered the FSSAI action

Swiggy Instamart has come under regulatory scrutiny after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued nine notices to the quick-commerce platform. The notices followed multiple consumer complaints alleging delivery of expired, spoiled, rotten, contaminated, and otherwise unsafe food products. FSSAI said the complaints indicated possible violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The regulator has asked the food business operator to provide a detailed explanation and submit a compliance report. FSSAI also warned that an unsatisfactory response, or failure to respond within the stipulated time, could invite action under the Act.

What consumers alleged in the complaints

Across the notices, the regulator flagged a pattern of complaints that pointed to lapses in food safety and quality checks. Consumers alleged that certain packaged products were delivered after their expiry dates. Other complaints described fresh products as spoiled or rotten, including items said to have a foul smell and deemed unfit for consumption.

The set of complaints referenced issues such as contamination, spoilage, and poor product condition at the time of delivery. The notices also referred to wider concerns such as improper storage and handling, which can affect product safety even when items are otherwise compliant.

Products specifically named by the regulator

FSSAI’s notices referred to several products that consumers said were unsafe or past expiry. Items named included Healthify 100% Whey Protein, Noice Homestyle Madras Mixture with Peanuts, Akshayakalpa Organic Eggs, and Kakke da Paratha. The regulator said consumers alleged the whey protein and snack packets were delivered after their expiry dates.

For eggs, the complaint cited rot and a foul smell, which the regulator said rendered them unfit for consumption. A separate complaint involving Kakke da Paratha alleged the product was spoiled and foul-smelling.

The broader set of complaints also mentioned categories such as milk, damaged packaged food items, and infant food formulations, according to the information cited alongside the notices.

What FSSAI asked Swiggy Instamart to explain

FSSAI’s communication sought details on how Swiggy Instamart ensures food safety in its operations. The regulator asked the company to provide records and explanations covering quality checks, inventory management, hygiene standards, and storage practices. It also sought corrective measures being taken to prevent recurrence.

The notices further raised questions around licensing information and compliance processes. The regulator referred to concerns about incorrect or invalid licence details, alleged gaps in seller verification, food quality monitoring, and traceability, based on the complaints and its review.

Licensing and product-category concerns around “NOICE” eggs

One notice also questioned the marketing of “NOICE” eggs. FSSAI said the brand was allegedly not covered under product categories approved under Swiggy Instamart’s existing FSSAI licence. The regulator directed the food business operator to stop marketing the product and seek a licence modification if required.

This licensing issue is separate from the broader set of alleged quality and safety lapses, but it adds to the compliance questions raised by the regulator’s notices.

A separate FSSAI order on Swiggy’s Toing platform

The Instamart notices also came a day after Swiggy disclosed it had received a prohibition order from FSSAI connected to its food ordering and delivery platform, Toing. In a regulatory filing, Swiggy said the Toing matter did not involve food safety concerns and was related to updating FSSAI licence particulars.

Swiggy stated that it received a prohibition order dated July 6, 2026, issued by FSSAI’s Designated Officer in Karnataka seeking an explanation on the Toing platform and certain licence-related particulars. The company added that the issue was administrative in nature and was resolved after it obtained a modified FSSAI licence on July 9, 2026.

Why online grocery and quick-commerce is seeing more scrutiny

FSSAI’s action comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny of food sold through online grocery and quick-commerce platforms. As more consumers rely on rapid home deliveries for daily essentials, enforcement focus has expanded to include not only manufacturing and packaging, but also storage, handling, and last-mile conditions that can affect food safety.

FSSAI has said its recent enforcement actions are based on consumer complaints as well as suo motu cognisance, as part of efforts to strengthen compliance and protect consumer interests.

Key facts at a glance

Market context: investor focus vs regulatory risk

The regulatory developments arrive at a time when quick-commerce is a closely watched segment in the market. Separately from the FSSAI notices, Swiggy shares have recently rallied, with reports citing a rise of up to 7% as sentiment improved on foreign ownership falling below 50% and optimism around quick commerce.

However, the Instamart notices highlight an operational risk that investors track in consumer internet businesses: compliance and execution at scale. FSSAI’s notices explicitly ask for documentation and compliance reporting, and they carry the warning of action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 if the response is not satisfactory.

What to watch next

The next step will be Swiggy Instamart’s detailed explanation and compliance report to the regulator, including the records and corrective measures FSSAI has sought. Separately, Swiggy has already disclosed a resolution to the Toing licence-update issue through a modified licence dated July 9, 2026, and said no monetary penalty was imposed and no material financial impact was expected.

For Instamart, FSSAI’s notices make clear that the regulator will assess storage practices, inventory controls, traceability, licensing particulars, and grievance redressal. Any further action will depend on the regulator’s review of the company’s submissions and compliance steps.