FIR Filed Against 10 Individuals After Rs 48 Lakh Food Seizure in Maharashtra
Maharashtra FDA's crackdown leads to FIR against staff from Reliance, Blinkit, and Zomato following a significant food seizure.
Maharashtra FDA seized expired food products worth Rs 48 lakh.
FIR includes 10 individuals from major companies and disposal agencies.
Investigations revealed diversion of food meant for destruction.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against ten individuals linked to major companies, including Reliance Consumer Products, Blinkit, and Zomato Hyperpure, following the seizure of expired and damaged food items valued at over Rs 48 lakh. This action was taken after inspections conducted on October 14 and 15 in Thane and Pune districts uncovered serious violations regarding food safety regulations.
During the inspections, the FDA discovered that food products intended for destruction were allegedly rerouted through unlicensed sorting facilities and brokers, ultimately making their way back to consumers. The FIR, lodged at the Shanti Nagar police station in Thane, names several senior officials and employees from the implicated companies, as well as operators from disposal agencies and local suppliers.
Among those named in the FIR are V Subramaniam, Whole-time Director of Reliance Consumer Products Ltd, and Arbinder Singh Dhinsa, Director of Blinkit Commerce. The FIR was filed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations against these individuals. The FDA's preliminary investigation revealed that the seized stock included over Rs 24 lakh worth of products from a disposal yard in Bhiwandi, alongside significant amounts from Reliance and Zomato facilities.
The FDA's findings indicate that the diversion of expired and damaged food products was facilitated by disposal agencies that allegedly issued false certificates claiming the products had been destroyed. This practice raises significant concerns about food safety and consumer health, as the FDA found expired items being sold at a retail outlet in Bhiwandi, which was operating without proper licensing.
In response to these violations, the FDA has formed seven teams to conduct thorough inspections across Thane and Pune. Following hearings on October 15, the licenses of five establishments were suspended, and operations at four unlicensed premises were halted. The FDA continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of adherence to food safety regulations to protect consumers.
