Nagpur: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its crackdown on alleged violations by online grocery operators in Nagpur, sealing a Blinkit store in Dharampeth and initiating action against a Big Basket outlet in Sarojnagar for operating without proper licenses and flouting food safety norms.
The कार्रवाई was carried out on February 13 as part of a special enforcement drive targeting food businesses functioning under online delivery platforms.
Blinkit Store Found Operating Without State License
During an inspection by the Vigilance Department of the Food and Drug Administration, officials examined the premises of Blinkit Commerce Pvt. Ltd. in Dharampeth. The team reportedly found that the outlet did not possess the mandatory state license required under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to sell food products.
Operating a food business without a valid license is considered a serious violation. Consequently, the authorities ordered the immediate suspension of business activities at the store and sealed the premises until the required license is obtained.
‘Brown Bread’ Found to Be 90% Maida
During the inspection, officials also discovered brown bread manufactured by Ajit Bakery, Nagpur, being sold at the outlet. Laboratory standards mandate that brown bread must contain at least 50% whole wheat flour. However, preliminary findings revealed that the seized bread contained only 10% whole wheat flour, with nearly 90% consisting of refined flour (maida).
Terming it a case of misleading labelling and consumer deception, the FDA sent samples for laboratory analysis and seized the remaining stock of the product.
Officials stated that selling bread made largely of refined flour under the label of “brown bread” amounts to misleading consumers and violates food safety regulations.
Action Against Big Basket Outlet
Similar enforcement action was taken against a store operated by BigBasket in Sarojnagar. Due to irregularities and non-compliance with licensing norms, the outlet has also been prohibited from continuing food business operations until corrective measures are taken.
The drive was conducted under the guidance of Joint Commissioner (Vigilance, Mumbai) Dr Rahul Khade and Assistant Commissioner Yaduraj Dahatonde. The inspection team comprised Food Safety Officers Lalit Soyam, Raosaheb Wakade, Amar Sontakke, and Varsha Kharat.
Officials urged consumers to carefully read food labels before purchasing products, particularly items marketed as healthier alternatives. They reiterated that strict action will continue against any food business found operating without proper authorization or misleading customers.
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