Maharashtra FDA Suspends Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart Licenses

Your quick grocery runs on apps like Blinkit and Zepto might see some changes in Maharashtra after the state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stepped in, suspending 14 licenses linked to these online delivery giants.

This action followed a massive state-wide inspection drive on August 13, which uncovered serious safety and hygiene issues across various establishments. The FDA’s crackdown aimed to ensure that food business operators adhere to crucial public health standards.

Which services faced suspensions?

• Blinkit saw 5 of its associated licenses suspended.
• Zepto also had 5 licenses temporarily halted.
• Instamart faced 2 license suspensions.
• One license was suspended for Bhagwati Stores.
• Another license was suspended for Swinsta Ent Pvt Ltd.

These suspensions were part of a broader inspection that covered 86 establishments, where the FDA issued 60 improvement notices and temporarily closed one additional business.

What were the violations?

• Food products were stored beyond their ‘Use By’ dates, meaning they were expired.
• Many locations had unhygienic storage conditions.
• Inadequate pest control was a significant issue.
• Food handlers showed poor personal hygiene practices.
• There were problems with temperature control for frozen products.
• Inspectors also noted disorganized storage and insufficient waste disposal systems.

The Maharashtra FDA has strongly urged all food business operators using online platforms to strictly comply with prescribed standards for food safety, hygiene, and storage to protect public health.