CMC Orders Swiggy and Zomato to Delist Unlicensed Food Outlets in Cyberabad
The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) issued a set of strict compliance directions to online food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The civic body ordered the platforms to immediately delist unlicensed food establishments within Cyberabad to strengthen food safety, public health, and consumer protection.
In a notice issued by the CMC’s Health and Sanitation section, the corporation directed both Swiggy and Zomato to ensure that only Food Business Operators (FBOs) holding a valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence or registration are allowed to operate. The establishments must also possess a valid trade licence issued by the CMC.
The directive follows a series of regular food safety inspections conducted by the corporation since June. Under the new orders, both delivery platforms must immediately suspend or remove any food establishment from their apps if its licence has expired, been suspended, cancelled, or ordered to be delisted by the CMC or any other competent authority.
Beyond licensing, the CMC has directed Swiggy and Zomato to submit the criteria and methodology they use for assigning food ratings, hygiene ratings, and customer reviews for regulatory scrutiny. The corporation specifically sought details on the platforms’ policies regarding the removal, modification, or suppression of negative customer reviews to ensure transparency in handling consumer feedback.
The platforms must also verify and maintain the accurate geo-location of every listed food establishment. The CMC mandate specifies that food must be prepared and dispatched only from approved and registered premises. Additionally, Swiggy and Zomato are required to periodically verify the validity of trade licences issued by the CMC for every operator on their platforms.
Both companies have been given one week from receiving the notice to submit a compliance report on these measures. The report must include the name and contact details of a designated nodal officer, who will establish an official communication channel with the corporation for sharing information, inspection details, and addressing grievances.
The CMC warned that failure to comply with these directions would attract penal action. Penalties will be pursued under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, the applicable provisions of the GHMC Act, 1955, and other relevant municipal laws.
