Violations found in Blinkit warehouse

A team of the Food and Safety Standards Association of India (FSSAI) inspected a Blinkit warehouse in Telangana's Medchal Malkajgiri district and found the space "disorganized, unhygienic" and in violation of various food handling and storage regulations.

Blinkit is the grocery and quick delivery arm of food delivery aggregator Zomato. The task force team conducted inspection in Blinkit warehouse at Devar Yamjal in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district on June 5, tweeted Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana.

In a list of violations discovered, the Commissioner noted that the premises were "very disorganized, unhygienic and dusty at storage racks."

Key findings--The warehouse was found to be very disorganized with dusty and unhygienic storage racks. There was no Food Safety Training and Certification (FOSTAC) trainee present on the premises. Food handlers were without necessary protective gear such as headgear, gloves, and aprons. Medical fitness certificates for food handlers were not available. Cosmetic products were being stored alongside food products, posing a risk of contamination.

The license of Whole Farm Congruence Trade and Services Pvt Ltd did not comply with the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, specifically concerning the address mentioned on the label. Products manufactured by Kamakshi Foods were found to have expired licenses. Consequently, VSR products including Suji, raw peanut butter, Maida, Poha, Besan, and Bajra, worth Rs 30,000, were seized. Suspected infested whole farm Ragi flour and Toor dal, valued at Rs 52,000, were seized, and samples have been sent to a laboratory for further testing.

Authorities have stated that notices will be issued, and further action will be taken as per regulations.