Maharashtra FDA cracks down on quick-commerce, eateries over hygiene violations

Maharashtra's food safety authority has conducted a sweeping crackdown on restaurants and rapid-delivery platforms across the state, suspending the licenses of numerous establishments, including warehouses for major online grocery services, following widespread findings of hygiene and safety violations. The enforcement drive, led by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, peaked with inspections on August 13 and 14, 2026, targeting both traditional food businesses and the burgeoning quick-commerce sector.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that on August 13, it inspected 86 establishments linked to online food delivery and storage platforms. The actions resulted in the immediate suspension of 14 licenses: five each for Blinkit and Zepto, two for Swiggy's Instamart, and one each for Bhagwati Stores and Swinsta ENT Pvt Ltd. Officials also issued 60 improvement notices and ordered one facility to halt operations. The inspections revealed severe lapses, with one FDA statement noting cockroaches found nesting on food storage racks.

At a Blinkit facility in Malad West, Mumbai, inspectors found chiller temperatures at 6 degrees Celsius, unorganized storage,...