Maharashtra FDA suspends 14 licenses during quick-commerce crackdown

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended 14 licenses following a statewide inspection drive targeting the quick-commerce and online food delivery sectors. The crackdown, led by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, involved inspecting 86 establishments across the state.

Among the suspended licenses are five facilities belonging to Blinkit, five to Zepto, and two to Swiggy Instamart, along with outlets from Bhagwati Stores and Swinsta ENT Pvt. Ltd. Inspectors reported severe hygiene violations at various warehouses, including cockroach infestations, rodent droppings, rotten vegetables, and the presence of expired food items. In one instance, staff were observed entering storage areas in street footwear, increasing cross-contamination risks.

In addition to the license suspensions, the FDA issued 60 improvement notices and seized approximately 698 kg of dairy products and 1,270 kg of other food items. The agency also filed ten First Information Reports (FIRs) regarding the sale of banned substances like pan masala and gutkha, resulting in nine arrests. The crackdown follows recent actions against other major brands, including the closure of four Domino’s outlets due to safety lapses.