After Zepto, Maharashtra FDA suspends food license for a Blinkit dark store in Pune
Blinkit's license suspension marks the second corrective measure by the Maharashtra Food Safety authorities on quick commerce operations in the past 10 days.
The Food and Drug Administration of Maharashtra has suspended the food license of a Blinkit store operated by M/s Energy Darkstore Services for non-compliance with regulations.
According to a circular by the FDA authorities, as reviewed by YourStory, a surveillance of the dark store in Balewadi, conducted on June 5, revealed food safety and hygiene concerns in the facility.
The authorities found evidence of dust-ridden products, improper stacking and storage of food items, with many having torn wrappers, leading to food particles found on the floor.
Of the 50 people employed at the dark store, the authorities could not obtain any required medical or health certificates for staff members or proof of pest control done on the premises.
The FDA authorities also could not ascertain whether a cold storage calibration certificate was required for the storage of dairy products, fruits, and vegetables or proper certificates for pest control.
The FDA letter also noted that there was no proof of any internal or external audit.
The news comes a week after the authorities suspended a food business license for Zepto's facility in Dharavi, marking growing scrutiny on the quick commerce operation. Zepto's food business license was suspended after inspectors witnessed violations, including storage near stagnant water, fungal growth on food articles, and storage of expired food items.
The development was first reported by The MoneyControl, which also cited that the dark store was actively storing and distributing food items without the license required under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
According to the report, the vendor had applied for a license, but no approval had been granted at the time of the visit.
Edited by Suman Singh