Key Update

Municipal authorities in Tirupati have seized more than 600 kg of expired and unfit food products from quick commerce warehouses operated by Blinkit and Instamart during a series of surprise inspections across the city. The enforcement drive followed consumer complaints alleging that online delivery platforms were supplying expired food products.

What Inspectors Found

Inspection teams visited warehouses located on Vaikuntapuram Road, Bhupal Housing Colony, Tirumala Bypass Road, Avilala, and other parts of Tirupati. Officials discovered a wide range of expired food products, including:

• Milk and curd
• Cooking oil
• Pulses
• Bread and packaged snacks
• Bottled beverages and tetra-pack juices
• Frozen chicken and fish

Inspectors also found rotten and fungus-infested vegetables stored alongside fresh produce, raising concerns about cross-contamination. According to officials, some products had remained in storage for nearly a year beyond their expiry dates.

Hygiene Lapses Across Warehouses

During the inspections, officials observed varying levels of compliance. One Blinkit warehouse at Bhupal Housing Colony maintained satisfactory hygiene standards. However, another Blinkit facility on Vaikuntapuram Road had unhygienic surroundings, poor waste management practices, and spoiled vegetables. Inspectors also found expired food products stored together with fresh stock at two Instamart warehouses, increasing the risk of contamination.

Authorities Take Action

Officials seized and destroyed approximately 600 kg of expired groceries, dairy products, packaged beverages, bread, and frozen fish in the presence of warehouse representatives. Municipal Health Officer Dr Yuva Anvesh said the authorities had imposed penalties on the establishments that violated food safety norms. He directed warehouse operators to remove expired products immediately and ensure that only safe, quality food is stocked for sale.

He also warned that repeated violations could lead to stricter enforcement measures, including the cancellation of trade licences under municipal regulations.

Part of Ongoing Food Safety Enforcement

The latest inspections form part of Tirupati’s continuing crackdown on unsafe food practices. In recent weeks, municipal authorities have also inspected hotels, restaurants, ice cream parlours, and meat shops, seizing spoiled food products and rotten meat from several establishments.

Officials said they will continue conducting surprise inspections in response to public complaints and to ensure that consumers receive safe food through both retail outlets and online delivery platforms.

Source: Deccan Chronicle