Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal Addresses Plastic Container Ban for Deliveries

Celebrity nutritionist and integrative lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho has expressed significant concerns regarding the health risks associated with using plastic containers for packaging hot food.

He specifically called out major food delivery platforms, Swiggy and Zomato, urging them to transition to biodegradable containers. Coutinho emphasized that plastic containers can pose substantial health hazards when used for hot food packaging.

Appeal to Food Delivery Platforms

Luke Coutinho urged food delivery giants Swiggy and Zomato to collaborate with their partners to ensure that food deliveries are made in biodegradable, non-plastic containers. He noted that many restaurants have already adopted this practice and encouraged a uniform approach across the industry.

"Swiggy, Zomato, Restaurants, Please work with your partners to ensure food deliveries happen in biodegradable non-plastic containers, many restaurants do this already, please make it uniform. Deliver food and health...hot food in plastic is making people sicker You have the power to help make a change," 

Health Risks of Plastic Containers

Discussing the adverse effects of high heat on plastic containers, Coutinho explained that the heat can cause the plastic to break down into harmful substances such as BPA and other toxins.

These toxins can severely impact human health, affecting hormones, fertility, and estrogen levels. "This heat starts to break down the plastic into dangerous BPA and other toxins that wreak havoc with the human body and hormones, fertility, estrogens, etc.

We need to move to biodegradable, non-plastic ASAP for better health and a better earth," he emphasized.

Call to Regulatory Bodies

Coutinho also called upon food safety authorities, tagging Swiggy, Zomato, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in his appeal. He urged them to leverage their influence to make this change for a healthier India.

"@swiggyindia @zomato @fssai_safefood you have the power to make this change and be part of a healthier India," he added.

Zomato CEO's Response

In response to Coutinho's concerns, Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal acknowledged the issue and expressed his willingness to take action. "Thanks, Luke, for bringing this up. We will do what we can - will highlight restaurants which use food-safe packaging, so customers can make a more conscious choice," Goyal stated.

Positive Reception and Further Call to Action

Luke Coutinho appreciated Deepinder Goyal's prompt acknowledgment and willingness to address the issue. "Thank you @deepigoyal @zomato for acknowledging this and moving to action...at the end of the day it's about coming together with a vision to build a healthier country...thank you and me and my team are happy to help anytime," Coutinho replied.

He also took the opportunity to urge Swiggy to join the initiative and participate in this important change. "I wonder when @swiggyindia will decide to wake up and at least acknowledge participation," he added.

Conclusion

The dialogue between Luke Coutinho and Deepinder Goyal highlights the growing concern over the health impacts of plastic food containers and the need for a shift to more sustainable and health-conscious packaging options.

As Zomato commits to promoting food-safe packaging, the hope is that other food delivery platforms and regulatory bodies will follow suit to foster a healthier and more sustainable environment.