FDA Suspends Licences of Quick-Commerce Outlets in Andheri, Mumbai Over Violations
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday suspended the food business licences of 14 quick-commerce delivery outlets across Maharashtra, including nine in Mumbai, after serious hygiene violations were uncovered during inspections in neighbourhoods such as Andheri West and Andheri East.
Suspension orders were issued to multiple dark stores and grocery facilities in the city, including three Instamart locations in Azad Nagar in Andheri West, Andheri East, and Bandra West. Three Zepto outlets were also penalised, located in Andheri West’s Lokhandwala, Goregaon, and Mulund. Additional action was taken against two Blinkit stores in Malad West and Ghatkopar, as well as Bhagwati Stores in Jogeshwari.
Inspections at the three Zepto outlets in the city uncovered violations of temperature norms for frozen items. Food safety officials also found that hazardous chemicals were being stored alongside food products, alongside a severe lack of pest control measures across the premises.
At Blinkit's Malad West and Ghatkopar facilities, food safety officers documented severe cockroach infestations, damaged ceilings, uncleaned storage racks, and open toilet doors. The locations were also found to have rotten vegetables, expired packaged foods, temperature control failures, and poor waste management practices. Furthermore, mandatory medical records for workers and drinking water test reports were missing.
In a related enforcement action, Bollywood Cafe at Studio Number 13 inside Film City in Goregaon was fined after inspectors identified sewage, heavy fly infestations, filth, and food residues in the kitchen. FDA officials confirmed that a hearing regarding that matter will be held in the coming days.
