The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licence of Blinkit, operated by M/s Blink Commerce Private Limited, at its Bhiwandi facility over alleged regulatory violations involving expired, damaged and rejected food products worth more than ₹32.71 lakh, as reported by NDTV.
An inspection conducted on October 21 found that the company could not provide end-to-end traceability or proof of destruction for approximately 18,405 food items classified as expired, damaged or rejected.
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The FDA ordered the immediate cessation of licensed operations at the premises, citing a potential threat to public health. The concern was that the unaccounted inventory, which was no longer fit for sale, could be diverted and sold to consumers.
Following the licence suspension, the FDA registered a First Information Report (FIR) at Bhiwandi Taluka Police Station against key Blinkit personnel, including a whole-time director and facility managers, as well as multiple vendors involved in scrap disposal.
The accused have been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including those relating to cheating and criminal conspiracy, along with Section 59(i) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The allegations include a conspiracy to resell expired food products for financial gain.
Although the allegations are subject to investigation, and the registration of an FIR does not establish guilt.
Maharashtra FDA Steps Up Action Against Expired Food Stock Diversion
The action against Blinkit's Bhiwandi facility comes amid a broader enforcement drive by the Maharashtra FDA under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.
The department has conducted raids targeting warehouses, dark stores and waste-disposal networks suspected of diverting expired and rejected food stock back into the consumer market.
Recent investigations reportedly found that stock marked for destruction by major food companies and suppliers was allegedly diverted to local traders and discount stores instead of being safely destroyed.
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Law enforcement agencies have recently registered FIRs against 10 individuals linked to food companies, warehouses, disposal agencies and local traders in connection with the alleged diversion of such stock.
The latest action highlights regulatory concerns over the handling and disposal of expired and rejected food products, particularly the risk that items designated as unfit for sale could re-enter the supply chain.
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