The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (UPFSDA) has suspended the licences of four stores and ordered their businesses to shut down after inspections of online food delivery platforms and their warehouses and dark stores across the state revealed violations of food safety standards.
The action is part of the UPFSDA's ‘Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai’ campaign, under which inspections are being conducted at facilities associated with e-commerce platforms, including Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon, Reliance and Metro.
So far, the department has conducted 149 inspections across Uttar Pradesh and collected 21 food samples for testing. Officials have also recommended issuing improvement notices in 79 cases.
GHAZIABAD ZEPTO WAREHOUSE FOUND DIRTY, COCKROACHES DETECTED
During an inspection of a Zepto warehouse near RDL in Ghaziabad, officials found excessive dirt, cobwebs on walls and a damaged floor. Cockroaches were also found inside the food premises.
Following these findings, the department initiated action to suspend the warehouse's licence.
In Kanpur, inspections of Reliance Mart, Metro and Zepto stores revealed irregularities related to storage arrangements and licensing requirements.
Officials found that licences specified provisions for controlled-atmosphere storage and cold storage, but the required chambers were not available at the premises. The inspection also revealed that the name of a nominee who had resigned around two years ago was still listed on a licence.
In addition, violations of prescribed best-before requirements were found in some confectionery products.
Based on the irregularities, action was taken to suspend the licences of the establishments concerned and stop their business operations until the deficiencies are rectified.
273 PACKETS OF MAKHANA SEIZED IN AGRA
In a separate action in Agra, officials seized 273 packets of makhana, or fox nuts, of the RAI LAIES brand from a Reliance store. The seized stock was valued at approximately Rs 68,000.
The inspections are focused on ensuring that food products sold through online delivery platforms are stored, handled and delivered in accordance with food safety standards.
Officials are checking whether food items are stored safely, whether temperature controls and cold-chain arrangements are maintained, and whether products remain within their permitted validity periods. Packaging, handling and delivery practices are also being examined.
LICENCES, HYGIENE AND FOOD STORAGE UNDER SCRUTINY
The UPFSDA's inspection drive covers several aspects of food safety and regulatory compliance at warehouses and dark stores.
Officials are verifying purchase and sales bills, supply records and compliance with licence conditions. They are also examining employees' personal hygiene, health records and documents relating to mandatory training.
Other areas under scrutiny include pest-control records, the cleanliness of equipment and the implementation of CIP, or Cleaning in Place, systems.
Inspectors are also checking whether expired and unusable food products are stored separately and disposed of in accordance with prescribed rules.
The campaign aims to ensure that consumers receive safe and good-quality food through online food supply channels.
UPFSDA teams are continuing inspections in different districts of Uttar Pradesh, and the department has said the drive will continue.
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