Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of 105 food businesses and ordered seven establishments to stop operations following a statewide inspection drive ahead of Diwali. Quick-commerce companies Blinkit and Zepto were among the businesses affected by the action, which targeted alleged violations of food safety and hygiene regulations.
The inspections were conducted on November 4 and 5 under the supervision of Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. Officials seized nearly 39.5 tonnes of food products valued at approximately ₹1.35 crore from more than 70 establishments during the two-day operation.
The crackdown covered food manufacturers, sweet shops, hotels, restaurants, caterers, storage facilities and other businesses involved in the food supply chain.
Blinkit and Zepto Among Businesses Facing Action
According to the FDA, the list of businesses whose licences were suspended included Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd and Zepto Ltd in Mumbai. Several food outlets and manufacturers were also included in the enforcement drive.
The action does not amount to a blanket ban on Blinkit or Zepto across India. It concerns the specific food-business licences affected by the regulator’s orders in Maharashtra.
The FDA divided the 105 suspended licences across several administrative regions. Nashik recorded the highest number, with 39 licences suspended, followed by Mumbai with 28 and Pune with 20. Another 15 licences were suspended in Amravati, two in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and one in Thane.
The department also directed seven establishments to cease operations. These included three establishments in Pune, two in Amravati and one each in Mumbai and the Konkan region.
Among the businesses ordered to shut was Rajdhani Biryani Centre in Mumbai. Aaradhana Dryfruit Sweets in Bhiwandi, Thane district, was also named among the establishments facing closure.
Food Safety Violations Found During Inspections
The inspection teams identified several alleged lapses involving food preparation, storage and handling. These included unhygienic manufacturing and storage conditions, improper packaging, inadequate pest-control arrangements and the absence of appropriate temperature-monitoring systems.
Officials also found establishments that had failed to maintain mandatory records and certificates. Such requirements are intended to ensure that food products are manufactured, stored and distributed under conditions that protect consumers.
The findings are particularly significant ahead of Diwali, when demand for sweets, dairy products, savouries and other festive foods typically increases. Improper storage and handling during this period can raise concerns about contamination and food quality.
The FDA’s seizure operation covered a wide range of products, including mawa, khoa, paneer, ghee, edible oils, farsan, dry fruits and assorted sweets.
Pune accounted for the largest quantity of seized food, with 14,429.7 kg valued at ₹49.36 lakh. The Konkan region recorded seizures worth ₹32.52 lakh, while the value of seized products in Nashik stood at ₹28.35 lakh.
Prohibited Products Seized, FIRs Registered
The enforcement drive also targeted prohibited products. Authorities seized gutkha and pan masala worth approximately ₹7.96 lakh from three locations.
Three first information reports (FIRs) were registered in connection with these seizures, and two people were arrested. Officials also seized two vehicles valued at ₹4.70 lakh and sealed two establishments during the operation.
The FDA said businesses whose food licences have been suspended cannot continue food-related operations during the suspension period.
FDA Commissioner Warns Against Compromising Public Health
Tukaram Mundhe has emphasised that food safety standards must be followed by businesses regardless of their size or reputation. The department’s enforcement action is intended to deter violations and strengthen compliance during a period of increased consumer demand.
The latest inspections form part of Maharashtra’s efforts to prevent unsafe or potentially adulterated food from reaching consumers during the festive season. With Diwali approaching, authorities are expected to maintain scrutiny of food manufacturers, retailers and establishments handling products intended for public consumption.
Consumers can also reduce risks by checking product labels, expiry dates, packaging integrity and storage conditions when purchasing festive food items.
