Nagpur: In a stringent enforcement drive against violations in the online grocery sector, the Food and Drug Administration has sealed a Blinkit store in Dharampeth and initiated action against a BigBasket outlet in Sarojnagar for operating without mandatory food business licenses and allegedly misleading consumers.

The action was undertaken on February 13 as part of a focused campaign targeting food operators functioning through quick-commerce and online delivery platforms.

Blinkit Store Shut for Lack of License

During a surprise inspection of Blinkit Commerce Pvt. Ltd.’s store in Dharampeth, FDA officials found that the outlet did not possess the compulsory state license required under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to sell food products.

Terming the lapse serious, the department ordered the immediate suspension of operations and sealed the premises until compliance requirements are fulfilled. Authorities stated that conducting food business activities without a valid license constitutes a punishable offence.

‘Brown Bread’ Under Scanner

The inspection also exposed alleged irregularities in brown bread supplied by Ajit Bakery, Nagpur. As per food safety standards, brown bread must contain a minimum of 50% whole wheat flour. However, preliminary findings indicated that the seized bread contained only 10% whole wheat flour, while nearly 90% comprised refined flour (maida).

FDA officials described the practice as deceptive labelling and a breach of consumer trust. Samples of the product have been dispatched for laboratory analysis, and the available stock has been confiscated pending further action.

BigBasket Outlet Faces Prohibition

In a parallel action, a store operated by BigBasket in Sarojnagar was also found to be non-compliant with food business norms. The outlet has been directed to halt food-related operations until it meets regulatory standards.

The drive was conducted under the supervision of Joint Commissioner (Vigilance, Mumbai) Dr Rahul Khade and Assistant Commissioner Yaduraj Dahatonde, along with a team of Food Safety Officers.

Reiterating its zero-tolerance approach, the FDA urged consumers to scrutinize product labels carefully and assured that strict action will continue against any entity violating food safety laws or operating without proper authorization.