Mumbai: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of a Blinkit dark store in Malad West, Mumbai, citing serious hygiene and food safety violations.
The action followed an inspection conducted by food safety officers on August 7, 2026, at the Blink Commerce (Blinkit) Pvt Ltd facility located at Sarvodaya Bhuvan on Ramchandra Lane.
Cockroach Infestation and Improper Food Storage
According to FDA officials, the facility was found in a severely unhygienic condition. Food products were reportedly stored on rusted racks and directly on the floor, while cockroach infestation was detected on stocks of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Officials raised concerns that the conditions could lead to cross-contamination and compromise food safety.
The inspection also found inadequate pest and rodent control measures across storage and handling areas. Poor waste management practices were reportedly observed at the facility as well.
Expired and Damaged Food Found
The FDA also found expired, damaged and tampered packaged food products being stored alongside fresh stock in cold rooms.
Such storage practices can create significant food safety risks, particularly when compromised products are kept in close proximity to food intended for sale to consumers.
Food Handler Records Missing
The inspection further identified gaps related to food handlers. According to officials, fitness records and health check-up records were not available, while workers were also found to be lacking appropriate protective gear.
These shortcomings raised additional concerns regarding hygiene practices and compliance with food safety requirements.
Second Blinkit Warehouse Action in Weeks
The Malad action is reportedly the second suspension involving a Blinkit warehouse within a matter of weeks.
In late July, the FDA had taken action against another Blinkit warehouse in Viman Nagar, Pune, over food safety and hygiene concerns.
The latest suspension highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of quick-commerce warehouses and dark stores, where food products are stored, handled and dispatched to consumers within a short period.
Previous Food Safety Violations
Last year, a Blinkit facility in Pune also faced licence suspension after an FDA inspection reportedly found fungal growth on food products, stagnant and clogged water near storage areas, improper cold-storage conditions and wet, unclean floors.
Food products were also reportedly stored improperly, including directly on the ground.
Around the same period, the FDA found similar food safety and hygiene issues at a Zepto warehouse in Dharavi, resulting in suspension of its licence.
Food Safety Compliance Under Scrutiny
The latest action underscores the importance of maintaining proper storage, pest control, hygiene, cold-chain management, waste disposal and food-handler practices at quick-commerce facilities.
With consumers increasingly relying on dark stores for rapid delivery of fresh and packaged food, regulatory compliance at these facilities remains critical to ensuring that products reaching households are safe and fit for consumption.
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