After Zepto in Mumbai, Blinkit in Pune faces FDA action; store operating without licence & poor cleanliness

In a significant development highlighting growing regulatory scrutiny in India’s quick-commerce sector, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has shut down a Blinkit dark store in Pune for operating without a valid food business licence and for failing to meet basic hygiene standards.

The facility, located in Pune’s Baner-Balewadi area, is operated by Energy Darkstore Services, a Blinkit partner. It was inspected on June 5, 2025. During the inspection, FDA officials identified serious lapses, including improper food storage conditions.

L“We have asked for proper documents to be submitted in order to issue a licence. There are non-compliance issues, and without permission, they have been operating the store,” said Suresh Annapure, Joint Commissioner, FDA Pune.

The action was taken under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which outlines mandatory hygiene and sanitary practices for all food business operators. A compliance report has been requested, and a re-inspection will follow.

Comes After Zepto Crackdown
This enforcement move follows a similar action earlier this month against Zepto’s facility in Mumbai’s Dharavi, where the FDA suspended its food business licence due to multiple food safety violations. Issues found included:

Fungal growth on food items
Poor cold storage temperature control
Improper segregation of expired stock
Food stored directly on the floor
Wet, unclean floors and stagnant water near food
In response, Zepto issued a statement promising full cooperation and swift corrective action:

“Maintaining the highest standards of food safety is non-negotiable. We are committed to rectifying the lapses and resuming operations in compliance with all regulations.”

Industry-Wide Wake-Up Call
The crackdown signals an industry-wide call for better compliance with food safety norms. As quick commerce platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Flipkart Minutes expand rapidly, regulatory bodies are expected to tighten enforcement to protect public health.