“Ultra-processed garbage…”: The doctor calls on Zomato, Swiggy and Zepto to deliver food in 10 minutes

India’s race to deliver ultra-fast food is sparking a healthy debate. As Zepto Cafe, Zomato’s Bistro and Swiggy Bolt compete to deliver meals in just 10 minutes, concerns are rising over food losses. Orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of NutriByte Wellness, Manan Vora, has raised the alarm about the impact of a speed-first approach on public health.

“For food to be delivered in 10 minutes, it must be cooked in 3 minutes or less,” Dr. Vora explained in a LinkedIn post. “And they can only achieve this through ultra-processed, ready-to-eat meals – pre-cooked, frozen, microwaved and delivered.”

Dr. Vora backs up his claims with research highlighting the dangers of ultra-processed foods:

• 12% increase in the risk of cancer.
• 10% increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Contributing to obesity, which affects 27.8% of Indian adults.
• High blood sugar, which increases the risk of diabetes.
• High levels of trans fats, linked to heart disease.

He urged consumers to think twice. “If you don’t have home-cooked food and need to order it, do so. But wait a little longer for fresh food. Don’t put your health at risk,” he wrote. His message to the industry was clear: “Dear Zomato, Swiggy and Zepto: We don’t want delivery Ultra-processed litter in 10 minutes!”

The post quickly went viral, and many expressed their approval. One user commented: “Although 10-minute delivery seems convenient, it comes at the expense of our health. Ultra-processed meals are a quick fix but come with serious risks in the long run.” Another chimed in: “10-minute delivery will work in 10 years.” With more chronic diseases.

Shantanu Deshpande, CEO, Bombay Shaving Company, also spoke about India’s increasing dependence on fast food. He described it as the “biggest epidemic”, pointing to the health risks associated with cheap, highly processed meals high in sugar and palm oil. He called for stricter regulations and urged food delivery companies to prioritize quality over convenience.