Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licenses of 14 Food Outlets Linked to Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart

What Happened

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the operating licenses of 14 food business establishments associated with online delivery platforms. The action follows a statewide inspection drive conducted on August 13, which identified significant food safety and hygiene violations.

Key Facts

• 14 licenses were suspended by the Maharashtra FDA.
• Five suspended licenses were linked to Blinkit, five to Zepto, and two to Instamart.
• Two additional licenses were suspended for Bhagwati Stores and Swinsta Ent Pvt Ltd.
• Inspections were conducted across 86 establishments selling and delivering food via online platforms in Maharashtra.
• 60 improvement notices were issued.
• One establishment was directed to halt operations immediately.
• Violations found included food products past their 'Use By' dates, failure to follow FIFO/FEFO practices, unhygienic storage, inadequate pest control, and poor personal hygiene of food handlers.
• Specific issues at a Blinkit facility in Malad (West), Mumbai, included a chiller room temperature of 6 degrees Celsius and approximately 40 food handlers lacking medical examination records and proper protective gear.
• A Zepto outlet in Pune's Lohegaon area had products beyond their 'Use By' dates and unsanitary storage.
• Swinsta Ent Pvt Ltd in Pune faced suspension due to cockroach infestation and cold chain maintenance issues.
• A Blinkit facility in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, had inadequate drainage, waste disposal, and temperature control for frozen items.

Background

The inspections examined critical areas of food business operations, including storage conditions, temperature control, cleanliness, pest management, personal hygiene of staff, adherence to FIFO/FEFO principles, and the proper display of licenses. Licenses were suspended in cases where serious non-compliance was detected.