The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra has taken strict measures regarding food safety. Licenses for one Blinkit center in Akola, as well as two hotels in Mumbai, have been suspended. Inspections revealed numerous violations concerning cleanliness, food storage, and staff hygiene.
During an inspection in Sangli, 165 liters of milk were found to be stored unsafely and were confiscated and destroyed on the spot.
The inspection team arrived at the Blinkit store in Akola and found extremely unsatisfactory conditions. Freezer plastic covers were torn, and food products were piled onto a single shelf along with non-food items. Some goods were lying directly on the ground amidst dust and debris. Although the department issued a warning about necessary corrections on August 12, the license was suspended on August 31 due to the lack of changes.
At the restaurant 'Delhi Sweet and Bhelpuri House' in Malad West, Mumbai, raw eggs were found in the freezer compartment alongside food products. It was also discovered that contaminated water was used for cooking, and the kitchen walls showed signs of dampness and dirt. Similar problems were identified at the 'Guljar Mohammadi' hotel in Kurla West; during the inspection, the hotel's hygiene scored only 24 out of 100. A thick layer of oil was visible on the walls in the kitchen, and the drains were dirty. Staff members were not using gloves or head coverings, leading to the immediate suspension of licenses for both establishments.
In Miraj, Sangli, serious violations were found at the 'Maiyakka Milk Collection Center'. 120 liters of cow's milk and 43 liters of buffalo milk were stored in a regular room without refrigeration for over four hours. Furthermore, the logbook lacked any reporting on the milk. The situation was aggravated by the fact that the state seal on the cream extraction machine, which had previously been sealed, was found to be broken. The team deemed this milk a health hazard and immediately destroyed it.
The FDA emphasized that compliance with food safety regulations is mandatory. As a result of the inspections, the licenses of three establishments were suspended, and the milk in Sangli was disposed of to prevent human consumption.