Maharashtra FDA Closes Blinkit Dark Store in Pune for Operating Without License

Last week, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered the closure of a dark store linked to the quick grocery delivery service Blinkit in Pune’s Baner-Balewadi area for allegedly operating without a proper license.

Suresh Annapure, Joint Commissioner of FDA, Pune, informed The Indian Express that the action was taken on June 5, when an inspection team discovered inadequate storage conditions at the facility managed by Energy Darkstore Services, a partner in Blinkit’s last-mile warehousing operations.

“We have requested the submission of proper documents to issue a license. There are non-compliance issues, and they have been operating the store in the Baner-Balewadi area without permission,” Annapure stated.

Sources indicated that several problems were identified during the inspection, including poor cleanliness and inadequate cold storage. Food Safety Officer Laxmikant Sawale noted that the action was prompted by findings that violated Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which outlines essential hygienic and sanitary practices for food business operators. “We have directed them to submit a compliance report, after which a re-inspection will take place,” Annapure added.

The FDA’s actions are part of a broader campaign to address unsafe food storage practices across the state. Earlier this month, it also suspended the food business license of Kiranakart Technologies, the parent company of quick-commerce firm Zepto, due to violations found at its dark store in Mumbai’s Dharavi. This inspection was led by Food Safety Officer Ram Bodke, following directives from Minister of State for FDA Yogesh Kadam and under the supervision of Mangesh Mane, Joint Commissioner of Food.

The investigation uncovered numerous breaches of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related licensing regulations. Issues included visible fungal growth on food items, stagnant water near storage areas indicating poor sanitation, improper cold storage where temperatures were not maintained as per regulations, and unclean floors with food products stored haphazardly, including items placed directly on the ground.