Hyderabad Orders Swiggy and Zomato to Remove Unlicensed Restaurants and Cloud Kitchens

The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) has issued fresh directives to online food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato, asking them to ensure that only licensed and compliant food businesses operate through their platforms.

The civic body has instructed both companies to list only restaurants, cloud kitchens and food outlets that hold valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and trade licences. Businesses with expired, suspended or cancelled licences have been directed to be removed immediately.

"Online food delivery platforms must work closely with authorities to ensure that consumers get safe and hygienic food. Only approved and licensed food businesses should be allowed to operate through these platforms," the civic body said.

The CMC has also asked Swiggy and Zomato to provide details related to food safety ratings, hygiene checks and inspection records to the authorities. The platforms have been instructed to verify the actual operating locations of restaurants and cloud kitchens and ensure that food preparation and delivery take place only from approved premises. In addition, the civic body has directed online food delivery platforms not to remove or suppress genuine customer complaints and reviews related to food safety and hygiene.

"Consumer feedback plays an important role in improving food safety. Platforms must ensure transparency and support quick action against hygiene-related complaints," officials said.

The directives follow an extensive food safety inspection drive conducted across Cyberabad, Hyderabad and Malkajgiri, during which officials found multiple hygiene and safety violations at restaurants, cloud kitchens and food warehouses. According to officials, violations included poor sanitation practices, pest infestations, improper food storage, use of expired ingredients and unsafe kitchen conditions.

Several food establishments, including Shah Gouse, Mehfil, AnTeRa and Ideal Kitchen, were issued notices for alleged lapses such as cockroach infestation, unhygienic kitchen conditions, storage of stale food, reuse of cooking oil and improper waste management. Officials added that some establishments were asked to suspend operations until corrective measures are implemented. The CMC has warned of strict action against food businesses and delivery platforms that fail to comply with food safety regulations.