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A customer has accused Blinkit of delivering mouldy sandwich bread that had allegedly crossed its expiry date and refusing to issue a refund. The complaint, shared on X, quickly went viral and reignited concerns over food safety standards in the quick commerce sector. The customer posted photographs of Suchali’s Artisan Bakehouse Multigrain Sandwich Bread along with images showing visible green fungal growth on the loaf. According to the customer, the bread was delivered three days after its expiry date, although the expiry label was not clearly visible in the viral post. The bread reportedly carried an MRP of Rs 180.

Complaint Triggers Online Debate

The post crossed more than 1.29 lakh views within a short time and prompted several users to share similar experiences involving perishable products ordered through instant delivery platforms. Many users alleged that quick commerce apps often sell near-expiry bakery items, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, especially during discount offers. Others demanded clearer display of expiry dates on apps and stricter monitoring of food products sold online. The incident also sparked discussions about storage and handling practices, followed by delivery platforms for highly perishable food items.

Blinkit Responds After Backlash

Following the online backlash, Blinkit apologised for the incident on X and asked the customer to share order details through direct message for further investigation. However, the company did not publicly address the allegations regarding refund denial.

Concerns Over Perishable Food Safety

The incident has once again highlighted growing consumer concerns about quality control in India’s rapidly expanding quick commerce industry. Food safety experts advise consumers to inspect packaged food items immediately after delivery and check expiry dates, packaging condition, and signs of spoilage before consumption. Experts also warn that visible mould on bread may indicate deeper fungal contamination, making the product unsafe to consume even if only a small portion appears affected.

Source: NDTV