Quick commerce dark stores in Pune under state FDA scanner
Pune: A few days after Maharashtra FDA suspended quick commerce player Blinkit's food licence in the Balewadi area due to regulatory non-compliance, the authority instructed food safety officers (FSOs) in the city to aggressively crack down on dark stores that are flouting food safety compliance norms.
A dark store is a retail location that functions solely as a fulfilment centre for online orders.
Thestate Foodand Drug Administration(FDA) will conduct random inspections of all the quick-commerce dark stores across the city to check for licences and hygiene at these units.
"We are gathering a list of all dark stores in the city. Our FSOs will conduct random inspections at these unitsto thoroughly check documentationand hygiene practices.
We will take stringent measures such as suspension or cancellation of licences if any stores are found to be non-compliant," said Suresh Annapure, joint commissioner (Food) of FDA, Pune region.
During inspections, food safety officerswill take into account Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which outlines general hygienic and sanitary practices for food business operators (FBOs). The schedule sets standards for general hygiene, registration, licencing, food handling practices, and condition of the premises.
During an inspection on June 5, the state FDA found that Energy Darkstore Services, which operates as a Blinkit franchise, was running without a valid licence, and the facility had multiple compliance issues. The authority then ordered the immediate closure of the dark store.
This follows a recent inspection conducted by the Maharashtra FDA at Zepto's dark house in Dharavi, Mumbai, revealed serious non-compliance issues such as fungal growth on certain food articles, storage of products near stagnant water, wet/filthy floors, and cold storage issues.
"Most of the dark stores operated by quick commerce players are under a franchise model. If these stores are found in violation, they will have to stop business. However, the quick commerce player can continue business in other areas where dark stores are complying with regulations," clarified a senior FDA official.
Blinkit did not comment on the developments.
A Zepto spokesperson said, "Zepto complies with all FSSAI norms and maintains strict quality controls across our dark stores.
We fully support efforts that promote food safety and are working closely with authorities to address any concerns and further strengthen our processes."
These incidents have left quick-commerce customers feeling uneasy.
"I order at least twice a day fromthese platforms. It is shocking to see pictures of dirty storage facilities and unhygienic storage racks. I might go back to ordering from my vegetable vendor down the road," said Gayatri Doshi, a resident of Pashan.
Neeraj Kamdar, a resident of Hadapsar, said, "I am shocked to hear about the condition of the storage facilities. I am glad that authorities are taking up the issue. Customers are unaware ofwhat ishappening at the backend. There need to be stricter norms governing quick-commerce."
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