Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration issues Warning to Food Businesses

• 27 Oct 2026
• 210 Views

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration, shortened as FDA, has issued a warning to food business operators in state of Maharashtra against reselling expired, spoiled, customer-returned or otherwise unsaleable food. Violations of this advisory could lead to strict legal action by regulator. 

This warning follows FDA's recent action taken against Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd in Bhiwandi on 26 October 2026. On this day, the regulator suspended this company's food business license. 

Why Did FDA Take Action Against Blinkit?

The strict action was taken by regulator due to the food company’s failure to provide verifiable records for safe disposal of expired and unsaleable food stock. This stock’s value was Rs 32.71 lakh in total. The FDA's action against Blinkit came after an inspection of its facility was conducted in Pagaon village, which is a village situated in Bhiwandi. 

In this village, the FDA officials discovered that there were a total of 18,405 food items that were classified as expired, damaged or unfit for sale. The company was unable to prove that this stock had been collected, transported and disposed of with the help of authorized channels. It lacked independently verifiable records to provide to the officials. 

An FIR was filed at Bhiwandi Taluka Police Station on 23 October 2026. The investigation is currently examining whether food handed over for authorized disposal was actually destroyed or if it was diverted through intermediaries and re-entered market. The FDA has not yet established whether stock discovered at Blinkit's facility was resold to consumers.  

Warning by FDA to Food Businesses

In light of recent backdrop, the regulator has emphasized that food businesses must ensure that products withdrawn from sale due to expiry, spoilage, customer returns or other reasons do not re-enter market. Businesses are required to separate unsaleable food from their other stock, obtain disposal certificates and verify credentials of agencies tasked with destroying such products. They must also maintain detailed records of transportation, receipt and final disposal of such products.

The FDA has instructed food business operators to comply with Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 as well as the associated rules and regulations. The advisory states that actions will be taken based on available evidence as well as relevant legal provisions. Also, the regulator has urged consumers to exercise caution whenever they are purchasing packaged food products. Buyers should always check manufacturing date, batch number, Best Before / Use By details, packaging condition and other information listed on label at the time of making a purchase.

Consumers who encounter expired, spoiled or suspicious food products for sale can report their concerns via FDA toll-free helpline at 1800-222-365 or via its online grievance redressal portal. This warning is part of a broader FDA enforcement initiative in Maharashtra intended to address gaps in food safety and the disposal of expired / unsaleable stock. 

The regulator has stated that inspections and enforcement measures will continue to take place and urged businesses to adhere to all the applicable disposal requirements. Moreover, it has encouraged consumers to report any suspected violations to help prevent unsafe food from reaching market. 

News Source:- MSN