After Zepto in Mumbai, Blinkit in Pune faces action; FDA orders closure of dark store at Baner-Balewadi

​The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week ordered the closure of a dark store associated with quick grocery delivery service Blinkit in Pune’s Baner-Balewadi area for allegedly operating without a license.

Suresh Annapure, Joint Commissioner FDA Pune, told The Indian Express that the action was taken on June 5 when an inspection team found improper storage conditions at the facility run by Energy Dark store Services, one of Blinkit’s last-mile warehousing and partners.

“We have asked for proper documents to be submitted to issue a license. There are non-compliance issues, and without permission, they have been operating the store in the Baner-Balewadi area,” Annapure said.
​Food Safety Officer Laxmikant Sawale said the action was taken after the raid revealed a lack of compliance with Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which details the general hygienic and sanitary practices that food business operators must adhere to.​
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