In the race for faster, more convenient food deliveries, many companies now promise ultra-fast services, delivering meals in as little as 10 to 20 minutes. While this might sound like a win for busy consumers, renowned orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert Dr. Manan Vora has raised serious concerns about the impact of these rapid deliveries on both public health and road safety.
From increased accident risks for delivery personnel to compromised food quality and nutrition, the push for ultra-fast deliveries may be doing more harm than good. In this article, we’ll explore Dr. Vora’s warnings and why consumers, businesses, and policymakers should take them seriously.
The Rise of Ultra-Fast Food Deliveries
How It Works
Food delivery giants are now prioritizing speed over everything else, leveraging technology, high-density cloud kitchens, and strategic partnerships to minimize delivery times. The ultra-fast model works by:
- Strategically locating cloud kitchens closer to high-demand areas
- Limiting menu options to optimize preparation time
- Using AI-driven logistics for efficient rider dispatch
- Encouraging riders to meet unrealistic deadlines
While this model may sound impressive from a business standpoint, it comes with significant drawbacks—many of which Dr. Vora has pointed out.
Dr. Manan Vora’s Concerns About Ultra-Fast Food Deliveries
1. Increased Risk of Road Accidents
One of Dr. Vora’s primary concerns is the immense pressure placed on delivery riders. In an attempt to meet the promised ultra-fast delivery times, riders often:
- Speed excessively through traffic
- Run red lights and take unsafe shortcuts
- Ignore road safety rules to avoid penalties or pay cuts
A study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that 30% of gig workers in the delivery industry have been involved in accidents, many due to time-related pressures.
🚨 “We must ask ourselves—at what cost are we getting our food delivered so quickly?” Dr. Vora questions.
2. Negative Impact on Food Quality and Nutrition
Fast food is already associated with poor nutrition, and when speed becomes the priority, quality often takes a backseat. Ultra-fast deliveries may lead to:
- Undercooked or improperly prepared meals
- Lower nutritional value due to quick cooking methods
- Higher reliance on processed ingredients for speed
According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
3. Exploitation of Delivery Workers
Dr. Vora also highlights the exploitation of gig workers, who often face:
- Low pay despite high risks
- No job security or health benefits
- Long working hours with little rest
Many delivery riders report feeling pressured to complete orders quickly, even if it means risking their safety. Some companies penalize riders for late deliveries, forcing them to choose between financial loss and personal safety.
The Ethical Responsibility of Food Delivery Platforms
Given these concerns, Dr. Vora urges food delivery platforms, policymakers, and consumers to rethink the ultra-fast delivery model. He suggests:
✅ Stricter traffic safety regulations for delivery riders
✅ More realistic delivery time expectations for both customers and platforms
✅ Fair wages and better working conditions for gig workers
✅ Greater emphasis on food quality over speed
As consumers, we can also play a role by choosing ethical delivery services and being patient with reasonable delivery times.
Conclusion
While ultra-fast food deliveries may seem like a modern convenience, Dr. Manan Vora’s warnings remind us of the real cost behind this speed-first approach. From endangering riders’ lives to compromising food quality and nutrition, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits.
👉 What can you do? The next time you order food, consider choosing a service that prioritizes safety, fair labor practices, and food quality over speed. A few extra minutes of waiting can help create a safer and healthier system for everyone.