Maharashtra FDA suspends 105 food licences, including Blinkit, Zepto, over safety violations

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday said it had suspended the licences of 105 food business establishments, including outlets linked to quick-commerce platforms Blinkit and Zepto, following widespread violations detected during a special food safety inspection drive conducted ahead of Diwali.

The statewide operation, carried out on November 4 and 5, also resulted in closure orders against seven establishments and the seizure of nearly 39,500 kg of food products worth Rs 1.35 crore, according to an official statement.

The regulator said the action followed inspections that uncovered deficiencies in hygiene, food storage, packaging, temperature control and compliance with mandatory food safety documentation.

𝗠𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗶, 𝗡𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗸 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱

Of the 105 licences suspended, the Nashik division accounted for the highest number at 39, followed by Mumbai with 28 and Pune with 20.

The Amravati division recorded 15 suspensions, while two licences were suspended in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and one in Thane.

Among the establishments facing suspension were Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd and Zepto Ltd in Mumbai, alongside several food manufacturers, sweet shops, hotels, restaurants and catering businesses.

The FDA clarified that establishments whose licences had been suspended would not be permitted to conduct food business operations during the suspension period.

The action relates to the establishments identified in the inspection drive and does not constitute a blanket suspension of the quick-commerce platforms' operations across Maharashtra.

𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝘁

The food safety regulator also ordered seven establishments to cease operations following the detection of serious violations.

Three of these establishments were located in Pune, two in Amravati and one each in the Mumbai and Konkan divisions.

Among those directed to shut were Rajdhani Biryani Centre in Mumbai and Aaradhana Dryfruit Sweets in Bhiwandi in Thane district, along with three food establishments in Pune.

Officials said the inspection teams found unhygienic manufacturing and storage conditions, improper food handling and packaging practices, inadequate pest-control arrangements and the absence of required temperature-control facilities.

Several establishments also failed to produce mandatory records and certificates required under food safety regulations.

𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝘀 𝟭.𝟯𝟱 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱

During the two-day drive, FDA teams seized 39,485.42 kg of food articles valued at Rs 1.35 crore from more than 70 establishments.

The confiscated products included mawa, khoa, paneer, ghee, edible oils, farsan, dry fruits and various varieties of sweets.

The Pune division recorded the highest seizure by value and quantity, with 14,429.7 kg of food articles worth Rs 49.36 lakh confiscated.

The Konkan division followed with seizures valued at Rs 32.52 lakh, while the Nashik division accounted for products worth Rs 28.35 lakh.

The inspections were undertaken ahead of the festive season, when demand for sweets, dairy products, snacks and other food items typically increases.

𝗚𝘂𝘁𝗸𝗵𝗮, 𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱

In a separate part of the enforcement operation, FDA officials seized prohibited food products, including gutkha and pan masala, worth Rs 7.96 lakh from three locations.

Three First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered in connection with the seizures, and two persons were arrested.

Authorities also confiscated two vehicles valued at Rs 4.70 lakh and sealed two establishments as part of the crackdown.

The FDA said the inspections were intended to enforce compliance with food safety standards and prevent unsafe food products from reaching consumers.

The regulator reiterated that establishments facing licence suspension would remain barred from conducting food business activities until the suspension was lifted in accordance with applicable procedures.