Blinkit’s Bhiwandi Facility License Suspended Over 33 Lakh in Expired Goods
The Maharashtra FDA has halted operations at Blinkit's Bhiwandi unit due to serious violations involving expired food items worth over Rs 32 lakh.
Blinkit's Bhiwandi facility suspended for regulatory non-compliance.
FDA found over 18,000 expired items valued at Rs 32.71 lakh.
FIR filed against Blinkit executives for alleged criminal activities.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business license of Blinkit's facility in Bhiwandi, following an inspection on October 21. The inspection revealed that the company failed to ensure proper traceability and proof of destruction for approximately 18,405 expired, damaged, or rejected food items, amounting to over Rs 32.71 lakh. This action was taken due to concerns over public health, as the unsold inventory posed a risk of being resold to consumers.
The FDA's decision to suspend operations at the Bhiwandi facility highlights the ongoing issues within the food safety sector in Maharashtra. Bhiwandi is a significant logistics hub in India, particularly for e-commerce and retail, making the integrity of food supply chains crucial. The FDA's stringent measures are part of a broader initiative to enforce compliance among food businesses, especially in areas known for high volumes of warehousing and distribution.
In response to the violations, the FDA has filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Bhiwandi Taluka Police Station against several key personnel at Blinkit, including a whole-time director and facility managers. The FIR cites multiple sections of the BNS 2023, along with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for allegedly conspiring to resell expired food products for profit. This legal action underscores the seriousness of the infractions and the commitment of authorities to uphold food safety standards.
Bhiwandi is recognized as one of the largest warehousing and logistics centers in Western India, serving major e-commerce and FMCG brands. The FDA, under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, has conducted extensive raids targeting warehouses and disposal networks involved in the illegal rerouting of expired goods back into the market. Recent investigations have uncovered a troubling trend where stock designated for destruction by food companies was diverted to local traders instead.
Looking ahead, the FDA's crackdown on food safety violations in Bhiwandi is expected to continue, with further investigations likely to follow. The agency aims to restore consumer confidence in food safety and ensure that businesses comply with regulations designed to protect public health. The situation remains dynamic, and stakeholders in the food industry are urged to adhere strictly to safety standards to avoid similar repercussions.
