The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended 105 food business licences, including those linked to quick-commerce platforms Blinkit and Zepto, following a statewide inspection drive ahead of Diwali. The food safety crackdown also resulted in orders to shut seven establishments and the seizure of nearly 39.5 tonnes of food products worth Rs 1.35 crore.
The inspections were conducted on November 4 and 5 across Maharashtra to check compliance with food safety regulations during the festive season, when demand for sweets, dairy products, snacks and other food items typically increases. The action followed inspections of food manufacturers, sweet shops, hotels, restaurants, caterers and establishments associated with online grocery and quick-commerce services.
According to the Maharashtra FDA, the suspended licences include those belonging to Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd and Zepto Ltd in Mumbai. The action has also affected several other food businesses operating across the state.
The FDA’s inspection drive identified multiple violations involving food hygiene, storage, handling and packaging. Officials found unhygienic manufacturing and storage conditions, inadequate pest-control arrangements, improper food handling practices and a lack of appropriate temperature-control facilities. Some establishments were also found to be operating without maintaining mandatory records and certificates required under food safety regulations.
The regulator said businesses whose licences have been suspended cannot undertake food-related operations during the suspension period. The action is aimed at ensuring that food businesses follow prescribed safety standards and do not put consumers’ health at risk.
Nashik recorded the highest number of suspended food business licences, with 39 establishments facing action. Mumbai followed with 28 suspended licences, while Pune accounted for 20. The FDA also suspended 15 licences in Amravati, two in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and one in Thane.
In Mumbai, the establishments facing action included Blinkit and Zepto outlets. The licences of Zepto’s Worli outlet and Blinkit were among those suspended. Other food businesses, including Biryani By Kilo, Tossin Pizza in Worli and Jumbo Burger, also faced regulatory action during the inspection exercise.
Apart from licence suspensions, the FDA ordered seven establishments to stop their operations over food safety violations. Three of these establishments were located in Pune, two in Amravati, while Mumbai and the Konkan division accounted for one each.
Among the establishments specifically identified was Rajdhani Biryani Centre in Borivali, Mumbai, which was directed to shut down for violations of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations. Aaradhana Dryfruit Sweets in Bhiwandi, Thane district, was also ordered to stop operations.
The inspections also led to the seizure of 39,485.42 kg of food products valued at approximately Rs 1.35 crore from more than 70 establishments. The seized items included mawa, khoa, paneer, ghee, edible oils, farsan, dry fruits and different varieties of sweets.
These products are widely used in the preparation of festive foods and traditional sweets, making food safety checks particularly important during the Diwali season. The FDA’s action is intended to prevent the sale and distribution of food items that may fail to meet prescribed quality and safety standards.
Pune accounted for the largest share of the seized food stock. The division recorded seizures of 14,429.7 kg of food products valued at Rs 49.36 lakh. The Konkan division followed, with food stock worth Rs 32.52 lakh seized during the operation. Nashik recorded seizures valued at Rs 28.35 lakh.
The department also took action against the sale and storage of prohibited products. Gutkha and pan masala worth Rs 7.96 lakh were seized from three locations during the drive. These seizures resulted in the registration of three First Information Reports (FIRs) and the arrest of two people.
Officials also seized two vehicles valued at Rs 4.70 lakh and sealed two establishments in connection with the enforcement action.
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said strict action would be taken against businesses found violating food safety requirements. He warned food operators against compromising public health for commercial gains and stressed that businesses must comply with the provisions of food safety legislation.
Mundhe also highlighted the serious legal consequences of selling unsafe food. Under the applicable provisions, businesses found responsible for selling unsafe food that results in death can face life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.
The latest crackdown highlights the growing regulatory focus on food safety across traditional retail outlets as well as the rapidly expanding quick-commerce sector. With platforms such as Blinkit and Zepto becoming increasingly popular for ordering groceries, packaged foods and daily essentials, compliance with food safety regulations has become an important concern.
The Maharashtra FDA’s inspections also underline the responsibility of food businesses to maintain proper storage facilities, hygiene standards, pest-control systems and temperature-management arrangements.
With food consumption rising during festive occasions, the department’s enforcement drive is intended to ensure that products reaching consumers meet the required safety standards. The suspension of 105 licences, closure orders against seven establishments and seizure of food stock worth Rs 1.35 crore mark a significant intervention by the state food safety regulator ahead of Diwali.
The FDA has indicated that violations affecting consumer health will invite strict action, placing food manufacturers, retailers, restaurants and quick-commerce operators under greater scrutiny.