FSSAI Issues Notice to Blinkit

India’s food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has sought an explanation from Blinkit following multiple consumer complaints about the alleged sale of poor-quality eggs on its platform.

According to sources, FSSAI took suo motu cognisance of complaints circulating on social media and issued a notice to Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd on Friday. The regulator has directed the company to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within a week.

Consumers Complain About Egg Quality

Several consumers alleged that the eggs had a foul smell and a rubber-like texture. Multiple posts and videos related to eggs ordered through grocery delivery platforms have gone viral online, raising concerns about food quality and storage practices. In one complaint, a woman claimed that after boiling eggs ordered online from Blinkit, she found a “rubber-like substance” inside instead of a normal texture. She also alleged that the entire batch appeared “fake” and rubbery.

Another viral video showed a consumer describing the white portion of boiled eggs as unusually rubbery. However, experts cited in the post reportedly noted that such texture changes can occur when eggs are stored at excessively cold temperatures or when they become old. In another social media complaint, a consumer alleged receiving spoiled egg packets covered with an oily substance.

FSSAI Reminds E-Commerce Platforms of Their Responsibilities

Officials noted that e-commerce platforms are also responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of food products sold through their services. In an advisory issued on December 3, 2024, FSSAI stressed that compliance by e-commerce food business operators has become increasingly important with the rapid growth of online food sales. The regulator stated that all product claims displayed online must match the information provided on physical product labels.

FSSAI also directed e-commerce platforms to ensure that listed products comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. Additionally, platforms must display a valid FSSAI licence or registration details of all food sellers operating through their portals.

Source: CNBC18

Mathrubhumi