The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against food businesses associated with major quick-commerce platforms after a statewide inspection campaign uncovered several violations involving food storage, hygiene and safety practices. The regulator suspended the licences of 14 food business establishments connected with Blinkit, Zepto and Instamart following inspections conducted across Maharashtra on August 13.

The drive covered 86 establishments involved in storing, selling and delivering food through online platforms, according to a PTI report. Apart from the licence suspensions, the FDA issued 60 improvement notices and directed one facility to stop operations temporarily.

The FDA’s action comes amid growing scrutiny over food safety and transparency in India’s rapidly expanding e-commerce and quick-commerce sector. Times Now Digital’s “E-Comms Hiding Health Info” campaign has been highlighting concerns around the information consumers receive when buying food and other essential products online. The campaign has raised questions over the availability of key details such as manufacturing dates, expiry or best-before dates, shelf life and other mandatory product information on e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms.

Blinkit, Zepto And Instamart Outlets Face Licence Suspensions

The suspended establishments included five linked to Blinkit, five associated with Zepto and two connected with Instamart. The remaining two belonged to Bhagwati Stores and Swinsta Ent Pvt Ltd. During the inspections, officials assessed several aspects of food safety compliance. These included the manner in which food was stored, temperature monitoring, cleanliness, pest-control arrangements and the personal hygiene of employees handling food, as per the report.

The inspection teams also checked whether businesses were maintaining food safety records, displaying their licences and following stock rotation practices such as First In, First Out (FIFO) and First Expired, First Out (FEFO).

Zepto Outlet In Pune Found With Expired Food

One of the more serious findings came from a Zepto facility in Lohegaon, Pune. Officials found food products that had remained in storage beyond their declared “use by” dates.

The inspection also highlighted poor storage conditions, inadequate pest-control measures and shortcomings in the personal hygiene of food handlers. The FDA said the response provided by the company during the hearing was not satisfactory, leading to the suspension of the licence.

Another Pune establishment operated by Swinsta Ent Pvt Ltd was found to have a cockroach infestation. Inspectors also identified shortcomings in the cold-chain system used for frozen food, along with deficiencies in hygiene and pest-control practices.

Mumbai Facilities Flag Temperature, Hygiene Lapses

The inspection drive also identified multiple concerns at quick-commerce facilities in Mumbai.

At a Blinkit facility in Malad (West), inspectors found that chiller temperatures were higher than the prescribed limit. The facility also had around 40 food handlers who had not undergone the required medical examinations, with the relevant records unavailable for inspection.

Officials further observed that some workers were not wearing protective equipment, including gloves, aprons and head coverings.

The facility also faced concerns over damaged storage racks, poor organisation and inadequate separation of different types of food products.

Another Blinkit facility in Ghatkopar was found lacking in areas including drainage, waste management, temperature control and housekeeping. The outlet received a compliance score of just 46 per cent and was classified as non-compliant.

More Violations Found At Zepto And Instamart Sites

The FDA also inspected Zepto facilities in Mulund and Goregaon, where officials reported problems involving food storage, temperature control, cleanliness and the display of licences.

At an Instamart outlet in Andheri, inspectors found food packets placed directly on the floor. The facility also faced issues related to limited storage capacity, overcrowding, hygiene and temperature management.

The findings underline the importance of maintaining appropriate conditions throughout the storage process, particularly for businesses handling food that is ordered and delivered within short timeframes.

Delivery Riders Also Come Under FDA Scanner

The regulatory exercise extended beyond physical food-storage facilities to delivery operations.

At a Blinkit store in Karad, Satara district, officials inspected 125 delivery riders. They found that the riders did not have identity cards and medical fitness records. The FDA also noted that the outlet’s FSSAI licence was not displayed on delivery bags and boxes.

The regulator consequently instructed the company to stop two-wheeler delivery operations from the outlet until the identified shortcomings were rectified.

The Maharashtra FDA said the action was taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The regulator has also called on food businesses operating through online platforms to adhere strictly to established requirements concerning food safety, hygiene and storage.

(With PTI Inputs)