FSSAI Seeks Explanation from Blinkit Over Alleged Food Safety Incident

Food Regulator FSSAI Seeks Explanation from Blinkit Over Complaint of Food Poisoning

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sought an explanation from quick commerce firm Blinkit regarding a complaint filed by a person who allegedly fell ill after consuming curd ordered from the platform. According to sources, the FSSAI received a written complaint from the individual, including a medical prescription, which stated that they had developed severe stomach ache and diarrhea shortly after consuming the curd.

The complaint was reportedly registered with the FSSAI on an e-commerce food safety issue, and the agency has directed Blinkit to provide an explanation and submit a comprehensive Action Taken Report (ATR). The FSSAI has been receiving several complaints about the supply of unhygienic, spoiled, or damaged food by sellers through the Blinkit E-commerce platform, sources said.

FSSAI Regulations

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As per the food safety law and FSSAI regulations, e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to comply with the provisions under Section 26 and Section 27 of the FSS Act, 2006. This stipulates that a food business operator shall be responsible for the safety of any article of food manufactured, stored, or distributed by them.

Previous Incidents

This is not the first time the FSSAI has taken action against Blinkit. Earlier this month, the agency had sought an explanation from the company regarding consumer complaints about the sale of poor-quality eggs on its platform. The FSSAI had taken suo-moto cognisance of consumer complaints on social media platforms.

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IRCTC Notice

Meanwhile, the FSSAI has also issued a notice to state-owned IRCTC, taking suo-moto cognisance of a video posted on a social media platform that shows utensils being washed inside a toilet area of a train compartment. This incident highlights the need for stricter food safety regulations in the country.

Timeline

• May 29: FSSAI writes a letter to the CEO of Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd and the person in-charge of operations regarding a complaint filed by a person who had ordered curd through the Blinkit mobile application.
• May: FSSAI receives several complaints about the supply of unhygienic, spoiled, or damaged food by sellers through the Blinkit E-commerce platform.