Maharashtra: FDA inspects 86 online food establishments, suspends 14 licenses
Mumbai, August 14
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration conducted a special inspection drive on August 13 against establishments selling food items through online delivery platforms, inspecting 86 establishments across the State.
As part of the drive, one establishment was directed to immediately halt its business operations, while 60 improvement notices were issued. The FDA also suspended 14 food business licences with immediate effect, including five each linked to Blinkit and Zepto, two to Instamart, seven to Bhagwati Store and one to Swinsta Ent Pvt. Limited, as per an official release.
The FDA also carried out action against milk and dairy products during the statewide inspection drive. A total of 698 kg of dairy stock, valued at Rs 34,302, was seized, it said.
The department further registered 10 FIRs in cases involving the sale, distribution and transportation of banned food items such as pan masala and gutkha. Nine persons were arrested, and stock worth Rs 46,76,631 was seized in these cases, according to the release.
Besides this, around 1,270 kg of other food items, including milk and dairy products, bakery items and edible oil, valued at approximately Rs 1,29,762, were seized.
The FDA also inspected 109 hotels, restaurants, dhabas and other establishments. Improvement notices were issued to 49 establishments, while four food establishment licences were suspended, the release said.
According to the FDA, the total value of seized goods, including other food items and banned items, stood at Rs 46,89,603.
A total of 15 raids were conducted as part of the special inspection drive, it added.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the FDA suspended the food-business licences of four Domino's Pizza outlets operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd. following inspections that revealed multiple food-safety and hygiene violations.
The affected outlets are located in Vile Parle West, Borivali West, R-City Mall in Ghatkopar, Mumbai and Malakapour in Karad, Satara.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative but I hope they also check the smaller local restaurants that sell on Swiggy and Zomato. It's always the big brands that get caught, but street-side dhabas with no proper licence are equally risky. Regular surprise checks are needed, not just a one-day drive.
Domino's getting caught is a big deal. If even big chains like Jubilant Foods can't maintain hygiene, what about the smaller players? Glad the FDA is being strict. Hope they publish the inspection reports online so we know which places are safe to order from.
This is reassuring but also scary. I order from Blinkit and Zepto daily. The fact that 10 licences from just these two apps were suspended makes me think twice. We need to be more careful about checking ratings and reviews before ordering. Also, these platforms should be held accountable for vetting their vendors properly.
Seizing 698 kg of dairy products is concerning. As a parent, I worry about what my kids consume. I just hope the FDA does regular follow-ups and doesn't stop after this one big drive. Let's make food safety a continuous priority, not just a one-time news event.
Impressed with the Maharashtra FDA's crackdown. In the US, we have strict inspections too, but this level of coordinated action in a single day across 86 outlets shows real commitment. Good to see India taking food safety seriously, especially with the quick-commerce boom.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.