Maharashtra FDA Suspends 105 Food Licences Ahead of Diwali; Blinkit, Zepto Among Firms Named

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended 105 food business licences and ordered seven establishments to shut after statewide inspections ahead of Diwali. The action, announced on Friday, November 6, after increased scrutiny of food safety standards during the festive season, when demand for sweets, dairy products and other food items typically rises.

According to PTI, the suspended establishments include Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd and Zepto Ltd in Mumbai, besides food manufacturers, sweet shops, hotels, restaurants and caterers. However, the FDA has not disclosed how many Blinkit or Zepto outlets are affected or identified their specific locations.

The inspections were conducted on November 4 and 5 across Maharashtra, with authorities identifying multiple violations related to food handling, storage and hygiene.

Maharashtra FDA Suspends 105 Licences: Division-Wise Details

Nashik recorded the highest number of licence suspensions, with 39 establishments affected. Mumbai accounted for 28 suspensions, followed by Pune with 20 and Amravati with 15.

The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division recorded two suspensions, while Thane accounted for one.

The FDA also issued seven closure orders, including three in Pune, two in Amravati and one each in Mumbai and Konkan. The establishments named included Rajdhani Biryani Centre in Mumbai and Aaradhana Dryfruit Sweets in Bhiwandi, along with three establishments in Pune.

Food Safety Violations Found During Inspections

The FDA identified unhygienic manufacturing and storage conditions, improper food handling and packaging, inadequate pest control and missing temperature-control arrangements.

Inspectors also found establishments lacking mandatory records and certificates required under food safety regulations. Businesses whose licences have been suspended cannot continue food operations during the suspension period.

FDA Seizes Food Worth Rs 1.35 Crore

During the inspections, authorities seized 39,485.42 kg of food products worth approximately Rs 1.35 crore from more than 70 establishments.

The seized products included mawa, khoa, paneer, ghee, edible oils, farsan, dry fruits and sweets.

Pune recorded the largest seizure, with products worth Rs 49.36 lakh weighing 14,429.7 kg. Konkan followed with seizures worth Rs 32.52 lakh, while Nashik accounted for Rs 28.35 lakh.

The FDA also seized gutkha and pan masala worth Rs 7.96 lakh from three locations, registered three FIRs and arrested two people. Additionally, two vehicles worth Rs 4.70 lakh were seized and two establishments sealed.

Previous FDA Action Against Blinkit and Zepto

The latest enforcement action follows earlier inspections involving quick-commerce companies.

In August, the Maharashtra FDA suspended 14 licences, including five each belonging to Blinkit and Zepto, two Instamart licences and licences associated with Bhagwati Stores and Swinsta Ent Pvt Ltd.

The earlier drive covered 86 establishments. A Zepto facility in Pune's Lohegaon was suspended over temperature-control violations involving refrigerated and frozen storage.

In June 2025, the FDA suspended Zepto's licence in Dharavi and ordered a Blinkit dark store in Pune's Baner-Balewadi area to shut for operating without a valid licence.

The latest action highlights the importance of food safety compliance, particularly during Diwali, when demand for food products increases. Responses from Blinkit and Zepto were not available at the time of writing.