What is the story about?
A shocking incident has been reported from the Godrej Hill area of Kalyan West, where a rat was allegedly spotted moving inside an ice cream rack at a Blinkit
store. According to reports, some youngsters who had visited the store to buy ice cream noticed the rat moving among the packaged items in the freezer. They recorded the moment on video, which has since surfaced on social media and is now going viral across Kalyan.
The visuals have raised serious questions over food hygiene and safety standards at the store, with several locals demanding that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) step in and take action against the outlet.
The video has also triggered wider concerns among customers about how food and frozen items are being stored at such facilities, with many questioning whether similar lapses could be happening at other quick-commerce stores as well.
A statement from Blinkit on the matter is still awaited.
Earlier, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had taken action against food businesses associated with major quick-commerce platforms after a statewide inspection campaign uncovered several violations involving food storage, hygiene and safety practices. The regulator suspended the licences of 14 food business establishments connected with Blinkit, Zepto and Instamart following inspections conducted across Maharashtra on August 13.
The drive covered 86 establishments involved in storing, selling and delivering food through online platforms, according to a PTI report. Apart from the licence suspensions, the FDA issued 60 improvement notices and directed one facility to stop operations temporarily.
