Malad: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of a Blinkit warehouse in Malad West, Mumbai, following serious hygiene and food safety violations found during an inspection.
The action was taken after FDA food safety officials inspected the Blinkit dark store at Sarvodaya Bhuvan on Ramchandra Lane on August 7. Officials reportedly found the warehouse in an unhygienic condition, with food items stored on rusted racks and directly on the floor.
A major concern was the reported presence of cockroaches around stocks of fresh fruits and vegetables, raising the risk of cross-contamination. The inspection also found inadequate pest and rodent control measures in the storage and handling areas.
Officials further reported poor waste management practices and the presence of expired, damaged and tampered packaged food items alongside fresh stock in cold rooms.
The FDA also found that fitness certificates and health checkup records for food handlers were unavailable. Workers were reportedly found without proper protective gear while handling food products.
The suspension comes shortly after another Blinkit warehouse faced similar action, making this the second reported suspension of a Blinkit warehouse licence within weeks.
The FDA’s action highlights growing concerns about hygiene standards and food safety practices at quick-commerce storage facilities, where groceries and other food products are stored before delivery to customers.
The company is expected to address the violations and comply with food safety requirements before the suspended licence can be considered for restoration.
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