Cockroaches, expired food: Blinkit store in Mumbai loses licence after raid
The action followed an inspection conducted on August 7 at the quick-commerce firm’s facility in Malad West. During the inspection, FDA officials found several deficiencies at the establishment. Officials found food items stored directly on the floor, while some racks were rusty.
The action followed an inspection conducted on August 7 at the quick-commerce firm’s facility in Malad West. During the inspection, FDA officials found several deficiencies at the establishment.
Officials found food items stored directly on the floor, while some racks were rusty. The FDA also flagged poorly maintained cold-storage areas and inadequate pest- and rodent-control measures.
What Happened
The store also failed to properly organise food items according to the First In, First Out (FIFO) and First Expiry, First Out (FEFO) systems, officials said. The inspection further revealed shortcomings in waste management and the personal hygiene of food-handling employees.
Consequently, the FDA suspended the food licence of Blink Commerce Private Limited under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Between May 25 and July 31, the department inspected 3,137 hotels, restaurants, eateries and other food establishments across the city, taking action against several establishments.
Food products weighing 28.66 lakh kg and valued at ₹55.72 crore were also seized or destroyed, Mundhe said.
Key Details
Medical examinations and health records of workers handling food were found to be inadequate, while the provision of necessary personal protective equipment was also deemed unsatisfactory. The suspension order directs that food business operations at the establishment remain suspended until further instructions.
In the milk-products segment, 476 establishments were inspected, with 196 improvement notices, 16 licence suspensions and two FIRs registered.
The department separately inspected 487 milk establishments, issuing 218 improvement notices, suspending 33 licences and registering 11 FIRs.
Of these, 329 were issued improvement notices and 116 had their licences suspended.
Why It Matters
The action against the Blinkit store comes amid a wider food-safety enforcement drive by the Maharashtra FDA under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. The inspections resulted in 764 improvement notices and the suspension of 165 licences.
The FDA's inspections also covered 890 hotels, restaurants and eateries.
He said establishments are given an opportunity to rectify violations, following which the FDA conducts hearings before deciding whether to revoke the suspension.
What Reports Say
Coverage of the story so far points to:
Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge
