Blinkit Facility License Suspended in Mumbai Over Cockroach Infestation

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food license of a Blinkit facility located in Malad West, Mumbai. The action was taken after an inspection on August 7 uncovered severe unhygienic conditions, including a widespread cockroach infestation and various food safety breaches.

According to the FDA, the inspection found "extremely unhygienic" conditions, improper food storage, inadequate cleaning of the cold storage area, and the presence of expired, damaged, or tampered packaged food products. The facility was also not adhering to First-In, First-Out (FIFO) and First-Expired, First-Out (FEFO) inventory management practices. Insufficient pest control, poor waste management, and a lack of health records for food handlers were also noted.

Cockroaches were reportedly found in fruit and vegetable storage areas, posing a direct risk of food contamination. Expired and damaged packages were allegedly discovered in the cold room. The FDA has suspended the facility's food license indefinitely, barring it from selling or distributing food products during this period.

This incident follows a similar regulatory action against Blinkit nearly a year ago, when the Maharashtra FDA revoked the license of a dark store in Pune. Other quick commerce players, such as Zepto, have also faced scrutiny and regulatory action in Maharashtra concerning food safety standards.