FDA suspends Blinkit Malad store’s food licence over cockroaches, hygiene lapses

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has temporarily halted Blink Commerce Private Limited's food license in Malad, West, due to severe hygiene issues and a significant cockroach infestation. Inspectors discovered expired products, inadequate storage conditions, and multiple food safety breaches during an inspection on August 7.

The establishment's food was found stored on rusted racks and directly on the floor, with cold storage areas inadequately cleaned. The FDA also discovered expired and tampered food products, poor waste management, and lack of proper cleaning and maintenance. Cockroaches were found in large numbers in the vegetable and fruit storage area, posing a serious risk of food contamination.

The FDA has suspended Blink Commerce's food license under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and relevant licensing rules. The license is suspended until further notice, and the establishment is barred from selling or distributing food during the suspension. The FDA has threatened to take strict legal action if the unit resumes operations.