Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licences of Zepto, Blinkit, and Instamart Outlets Over Safety Violations

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of 14 online food delivery establishments, including outlets operated by Zepto, Blinkit, and Instamart, following a statewide inspection drive on August 13. The drive covered 86 establishments, resulting in 60 improvement notices and one order to immediately halt business activity. Of the suspended licences, five belonged to Blinkit, five to Zepto, and two to Instamart, with the remaining two linked to Bhagwati Stores and Swinsta ENT Pvt Ltd.

Inspectors reported a wide range of hygiene and safety violations. These included rodent droppings, cockroach infestations, and expired food stock. Specific findings included rusted storage racks, food stored directly on the floor, and failures to follow FIFO/FEFO stock rotation norms. In Mumbai, a Blinkit outlet in Ghatkopar scored 34 out of 74 and was cited for an open toilet door and rotten vegetables. A Zepto outlet in Lohegaon, Pune, was suspended due to cold chain failures and cockroach infestations.

Additional violations involved personnel and infrastructure. At a Blinkit store in Karad, Satara, 125 delivery riders lacked identity cards or medical fitness records, leading the FDA to halt two wheeler delivery operations. In Malad, Mumbai, a Blinkit facility was found with chiller room temperatures above required levels and 40 food handlers who had not undergone medical examinations. Zepto facilities in Mulund and Goregaon were also flagged for inadequate waste disposal, poor lighting, and unsatisfactory cleanliness. The FDA has directed all food business operators using online platforms to strictly comply with prescribed standards.