Blinkit Shuts Down in Pune by FDA for Operating Without License

In the Balewadi-Baner neighbourhood of Pune, the dark store "Energy Darkstore Services", one of the stores of Blinkit, has been the target of significant action from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA has ordered this establishment to close immediately due to numerous major irregularities and operating without a valid food licence. Following an on-the-spot examination on June 5, this action was conducted.

This establishment is classified as a food business under Section 31(1) of the "Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006" and requires a licence to operate, per the order issued by the FDA Joint Commissioner's Office. Energy Darkstore Services was nevertheless delivering and keeping food items without a legitimate licence.

FDA Inspection Reveals Massive Irregularities

Numerous abnormalities that Blinkit engaged in during its regular business operations were discovered during a recent FDA team examination. Although a licence was applied for, it was never submitted. The food was stored in rusting racks.

 It was discovered that the store's cleanliness regime was incredibly subpar. Food package information was discovered to be inaccurate. The employees lacked hygienic certifications and wore no protective gear, such as headgear. For milk and fruits, the necessary certificate was not accessible.

FDA Giving Stern Warning to Store Manager and Owner

Omprakash Mantri, the establishment's owner, and Jai Arvind Bhaskar, the store manager, were found guilty of breaking food safety regulations. Legal action has been threatened against each of them.

In June 2024, Energy Darkstore Services requested a food licence; however, the licence was denied since the necessary paperwork was not correctly provided. In spite of this, the corporation proceeded to distribute food, which is against the law. The FDA has made it clear that more than one retailer would be affected by the action.

Every dark store and online food distribution centre in Pune is undergoing a thorough inspection. According to FDA officials, any operation will be deemed a violation of the regulations as long as there is no legal food licence.

However, by filing all the necessary paperwork, the business can receive a licence under the Food Safety Act and resume operations if it so chooses.

Dark businesses deliver food straight to customers who place internet orders. According to officials, if these establishments fail to adhere to safety, storage, or cleanliness criteria, it is directly affecting the public's health.

The Food Safety and Standards Act will be strictly enforced, the FDA has warned, if it is discovered that such operations are running without a licence.

This move serves as a reminder to all other underground businesses to promptly obtain legitimate documents. According to FDA authorities, this is only the start. The watchdog body is currently monitoring all dark businesses in Pune city.