Report

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has shut down a Blinkit-linked dark store in Pune for serious food safety violations. Operated by M/s Energy Darkstore Services near Mitcon College, Balewadi, the store was found distributing food without a valid license under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Acting on a consumer complaint, FDA officials conducted a surprise inspection on June 5. They discovered that the operator had applied for a license but continued full-scale operations without approval. The Joint Commissioner (Food) issued a stop-work notice, stating the store cannot resume food-related activities until it obtains the required license. Any violation will lead to legal action.

Inspection Reveals Multiple Lapses

Inspectors found packaged food stored on bulk racks with no traceability, unhygienic conditions with food particles on the floor, and staff handling food without protective gear. The 50-member workforce lacked food safety certifications, and the store had no records of hygiene training. Cold storage units used for milk and fruits had no calibration certificates. The facility also failed to produce pest control and internal audit reports.

Quick Commerce Under Scrutiny

M/s Energy Darkstore Services acts as a last-mile partner for Blinkit, which is rapidly expanding its dark store network. With Blinkit, the user base nearing that of its core food delivery arm, regulators are intensifying checks across the sector. The FDA’s swift action signals that public health and safety will not be compromised amid the quick commerce boom.

Source: CNBCTV 18