Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of multiple facilities linked to Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart over food safety violations

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the licenses of multiple food businesses linked to online platforms Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart after an inspection revealed numerous food safety and hygiene violations. The FDA examined 86 establishments across Maharashtra on August 13 that utilize online platforms to sell and deliver food.

It issued 60 improvement notices and ordered the temporary stoppage of operations at one facility. However, no license was cancelled during the drive, according to a PTI report.

The FDA suspended licenses with immediate effect for five establishments linked to Blinkit, five for Zepto, and two for Instamart. Licenses were suspended when serious non-compliance was found. In Pune, the FDA suspended a Zepto outlet's license following multiple violations, including inadequate storage conditions, unhygienic storage, and poor personal hygiene among food handlers.

At a Blinkit facility in Malad, Mumbai, inspectors found chiller room temperature at an unsafe 6 degrees Celsius, 40 food handlers without medical examinations, and disorganized storage. In Ghatkopar, Mumbai, a Blinkit facility scored 34 out of 74, failing to meet food safety standards. At a Zepto facility in Mulund, Mumbai, inspectors found inadequate waste-disposal facilities, poor lighting, and failure to display the FSSAI license.

At an Instamart facility in Andheri, Mumbai, inspectors found food packets stored directly on the floor, inadequate storage space, and shortcomings in lighting, cleanliness, and personal hygiene. The inspection drive also covered delivery operations. At a Blinkit store in Karad, Satara district, two-wheeler delivery riders lacked identity cards and medical fitness records. The FDA directed quick commerce firms to strictly comply with prescribed food safety, hygiene, and storage standards.