The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended Blinkit's food business licence for its Bhiwandi facility after an inspection revealed serious regulatory violations involving 18,405 expired, damaged or rejected food items worth more than Rs 32.71 lakh.
The action was taken following an inspection on October 21, after the company allegedly failed to provide complete traceability records or proof that the unsaleable products had been destroyed. Authorities have ordered the immediate suspension of licensed operations at the facility, citing concerns that the stock could be diverted back into the market and pose a threat to public health.
FIR registered against Blinkit personnel
Following the suspension of the licence, the FDA lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at the Bhiwandi Taluka Police Station against key Blinkit personnel, including a whole-time director, facility managers and several scrap-disposal vendors.
The accused have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, relating to cheating and criminal conspiracy, along with Section 59(i) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The allegations involve a suspected conspiracy to resell expired food products for financial gain. The matter is subject to investigation.
FDA raises concerns over disposal of expired stock
According to the FDA, the absence of adequate records and proof of destruction raised concerns about the possibility of expired, damaged or rejected products re-entering the consumer market.
Authorities have been investigating the handling and disposal of unsaleable food stock in the region, including allegations that products marked for destruction were diverted to local traders and discount stores instead of being disposed of safely. The latest action forms part of a wider enforcement drive targeting warehouses, dark stores and disposal networks in Bhiwandi.
Why Bhiwandi is important for Blinkit
Bhiwandi, in Maharashtra's Thane district, is a major warehousing and logistics hub that supports e-commerce, quick-commerce and retail operations. Large fulfilment centres in the area supply goods to distribution networks and local stores, making inventory management and food safety compliance crucial.
The FDA's action highlights concerns over the handling of expired food products and the need for proper tracking and disposal procedures to protect consumers.
