Fda Suspends Blinkit Malad Stores Food Licence Over Cockroaches Hygiene Lapses

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of Blink Commerce Private Limited, the entity operating quick-commerce platform BlinkIt, for its Malad West dark store after an inspection found heavy cockroach infestation, expired food stock and multiple hygiene violations. The action is limited to the inspected facility and does not amount to a suspension of Blinkit’s overall food operations.

The FDA inspection was conducted on August 7 at the company’s facility on Ramchandra Lane, Malad West. Officials described the premises as “extremely unclean” and found cockroaches on stored vegetables and fruits, raising concerns over possible contamination.

The FDA suspended the food licence of the facility with immediate effect until further orders. The order bars the company from selling or distributing food or conducting any food business from that premises during the suspension period.

In a separate case, the FDA inspected a Reliance Retail outlet at ARD Cinemall in Buldhana on August 8 following a customer complaint of fungus and live insects in Lakshmi Narayan brand kaju katli.

Although the specific batch mentioned in the complaint was not found at the outlet, FDA officials seized 11.34 kg of kaju katli worth Rs 10,238 from a related batch and sent samples for laboratory analysis. Further action will depend on the test results.

As part of a special drive against milk and dairy adulteration, nearly 14,378 kg or litres of dairy products worth Rs 93.26 lakh were confiscated.