Zomato CEO Addresses Packaging Date Controversy at Hyderabad Warehouse

On October 29, 2024, a food safety task force inspected Zomato’s Hyperpure warehouse in Hyderabad, uncovering a surprising discrepancy in packaging dates on button mushrooms. The food, labeled with a “future date,” sparked online debate, leading to a prompt response from Zomato’s CEO, Deepinder Goyal, on social media. Goyal explained the situation, clarified Zomato's strict quality checks, and outlined actions taken to maintain transparency and standards in their supply chain.

What Happened?

During the inspection, 18 kilograms of mushrooms displayed a packaging date marked as October 30, 2024—one day ahead of the inspection date. Hyperpure, Zomato's branch for supplying fresh ingredients to various businesses, quickly became the subject of scrutiny for this labeling anomaly.

CEO’s Response and Clarification

Deepinder Goyal addressed the public reaction by acknowledging that around 90 packets of mushrooms contained an incorrect packaging date. He clarified that this was due to a manual error by the vendor and reassured that the mislabeled stock had been identified and rejected during Zomato’s initial quality control (QC) process. Goyal emphasized Zomato's commitment to strict food safety standards, noting that the vendor responsible had been delisted.

Zomato’s Quality Assurance and Compliance

Goyal reassured customers and stakeholders about Zomato's stringent procedures at Hyperpure, where internal checks detected the error in time. The facility reportedly earned an A+ rating in food safety, highlighting the company’s dedication to safe and high-quality food handling.

The Broader Implications for Food Quality Control

The incident brings attention to the importance of food safety standards and quality control mechanisms, especially in large supply chains. Zomato’s prompt response and transparency could serve as an industry example of proactive crisis management. Their delisting of the vendor reinforces the message that food safety cannot be compromised, even for small errors.

Conclusion

While the labeling error led to a brief online controversy, Zomato’s transparent handling of the incident showcased its commitment to safety and customer trust. As food delivery and supply chains grow, upholding such rigorous standards will remain essential.

Refrence From: www.ndtv.com