Overview

• The FDA ordered the immediate shutdown of Blinkit’s Balewadi dark store for operating without a valid food safety license.
• Inspectors flagged poor storage conditions, contaminated floors, uncalibrated cold storage and missing hygiene certificates for staff.
• Owner Omprakash Mantri and manager Jai Arvind Bhaskar have been warned of legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
• About 40 delivery partners reassigned to nearby outlets have reported longer delivery times and disrupted earnings.
• The FDA has expanded inspections to all dark stores and online food distribution units across Pune to enforce compliance.