logo
After Zepto in Mumbai, Blinkit in Pune faces action; FDA orders closure of dark store at Baner-Balewadi

After Zepto in Mumbai, Blinkit in Pune faces action; FDA orders closure of dark store at Baner-Balewadi

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week ordered the closure of a dark store associated with quick grocery delivery service Blinkit in Pune's Baner-Balewadi area for allegedly operating without a licence.
Suresh Annapure, Joint Commissioner, FDA, Pune, told The Indian Express that the action was taken on June 5 when an inspection team found improper storage conditions at the facility run by Energy Darkstore Services, one of Blinkit's last-mile warehousing and partners.
'We have asked for proper documents to be submitted to issue a license. There are non-compliance issues, and without permission, they have been operating the store in the Baner-Balewadi area,' Annapure said.
Sources said several issues were identified, including poor cleanliness and improper cold storage.
Food Safety Officer Laxmikant Sawale said the action was taken after the raid revealed a lack of compliance with Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which details the general hygienic and sanitary practices that food business operators must adhere to.
'We have directed them to submit a compliance report and then there will be a re-inspection,' Annapure said.
The FDA's action is part of its ongoing crackdown on unsafe food storage practices across the state. Earlier this month, it suspended the food business licence of quick-commerce firm Zepto's parent company Kiranakart Technologies due to lapses found at at its dark store in Mumbai's Dharavi.
The inspection was conducted by Food Safety Officer Ram Bodke, following instructions from Minister of State for FDA Yogesh Kadam and under the supervision of Mangesh Mane, Joint Commissioner of Food. The investigation revealed numerous violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, as well as the related licensing regulations, according to the FDA.
Visible fungal growth on food items, stagnant and clogged water near storage areas, which indicated poor sanitation, improper cold storage with temperatures not maintained as per norms, and wet, unclean floors and food products stored haphazardly, including directly on the ground, were some of the findings of the regulator.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

New ‘weight-loss' drugs have lower impact in real life compared to clinical trial results: study
New ‘weight-loss' drugs have lower impact in real life compared to clinical trial results: study

The Hindu

timean hour ago

  • The Hindu

New ‘weight-loss' drugs have lower impact in real life compared to clinical trial results: study

A recent study done in the U.S. showed that semaglutide and tirzepatide — injectable GLP-1 drugs for obesity — produce lower weight loss in a real-world setting, than during the clinical trial, because patients discontinue treatment or use lower maintenance dosages. The results were published by researchers from the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, U.S., in the peer-reviewed journal Obesity on June 10. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are FDA-approved medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management and are now also available in India. Hamlet Gasoyan et al accessed electronic health record data from a large health system in Ohio and Florida to identify adults with overweight or obesity without type 2 diabetes who started with injectable semaglutide or tirzepatide between 2021 and 2023. They recorded early discontinuation (within 3 months) and late discontinuation (within 3–12 months) along with weight reduction. The researchers observed that treatment discontinuation and use of lower maintenance dosages might reduce the likelihood of achieving clinically-meaningful weight reduction in patients on these drugs. Researchers also identified the factors associated with higher odds of achieving a weight loss of 10% or more, after one year of treatment — continuing medications or discontinuing late (vs. early), taking a high maintenance dosage, getting tirzepatide (vs. semaglutide) and were female (vs. male). Commenting on the results of the study, V. Mohan, senior diabetologist, and chairman, Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialties Centre, Chennai, who has initiated patients on weight-loss drugs, says: 'The findings are not surprising because in a randomised clinical trial (RCT), there is constant follow up with the participants to continue with the drug regimen. On the other hand, in the real world, especially if patients buy their own medication, they often stop the drug. Even otherwise, compliance rates in real world are much poorer than in an RCT. The bottom line is that these drugs work as long as they are taken. That is how it is with most drugs, if you stop statins, for instance, cholesterol levels go up; if you stop anti-diabetic drugs or BP drugs, the sugar and BP go up.' 'A reality check' Anoop Misra, who heads Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences in Delhi, who has also put his patients on these class of drugs, says: 'This study gives us a reality check of weight loss and blood sugar lowering effects of these drugs. It is important to note that discontinuation of such drugs is likely to be more in India, driven also by cost concerns. Non-compliance to diet and exercise are additional reasons to be considered in India which may cause lower weight loss.' 'Our findings about the real-world use patterns of these medications and associated clinical outcomes could inform the decisions of healthcare providers and their patients on the role of treatment discontinuation and maintenance dosage in achieving clinically meaningful weight reductions,' said Dr. Gasoyan.

Ludhiana: Factory owner booked day after dead lizard found in ice-cream
Ludhiana: Factory owner booked day after dead lizard found in ice-cream

Hindustan Times

time18 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Ludhiana: Factory owner booked day after dead lizard found in ice-cream

A day a dead lizard was found inside a 'chocobar' ice-cream, in Giaspura, the local health officials on Monday issued a penalty on the manufacturer for failing to maintain hygiene standards in the production facility. A seven-year-old had found the dead reptile in the ice-cream purchased from a roadside vendor on Sunday. As the contaminated ice-cream had been partially consumed by the child, he had to be provided prompt medical help. Though, he was reported to be fine upon reaching a nearby clinic. District health officer (DHO) Dr Amarjit Kaur swiftly deployed a dedicated food safety team to investigate the matter. The team's immediate priority was to inspect the manufacturing unit, supplying the vendor in question. 'Our team conducted a thorough inspection of the ice-cream manufacturing premises and observed significant hygiene lapses,' stated Dr Kaur. 'A sample has been collected for further analysis and a challan has been issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, due to the unhygienic conditions found,' she added.

Salmonella egg recall alert: 1.7M eggs yanked off shelves as outbreak sickens dozens in multistate health crisis
Salmonella egg recall alert: 1.7M eggs yanked off shelves as outbreak sickens dozens in multistate health crisis

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Time of India

Salmonella egg recall alert: 1.7M eggs yanked off shelves as outbreak sickens dozens in multistate health crisis

Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs sickens dozens across seven U.S. states- A salmonella outbreak linked to eggs has made at least 79 people sick across seven states, triggering a massive recall of 1.7 million eggs sold under multiple brands. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the outbreak is tied to brown organic and brown cage-free eggs distributed by August Egg Company, based in Hilmar, California. The affected eggs were sold between February 3 and May 15, 2025, at major grocery stores like Walmart, Ralphs, Safeway, Save Mart, FoodMaxx, and Raley's across several states. With 21 hospitalizations and a large number of cases concentrated in California, federal officials are urging consumers to check their egg cartons immediately. Where were the eggs sold? The recalled eggs were distributed to stores in at least nine states , including: California Nevada Arizona Illinois Indiana Washington Wyoming New Mexico Nebraska Retailers affected include Walmart, Safeway, Raley's, Food 4 Less, Lucky, Save Mart , and others. Distribution occurred between February 3 and May 15, 2025 , depending on the region. How many people have gotten sick and where are the cases concentrated? According to the CDC, at least 79 people have become ill, and 21 of them were hospitalized due to salmonella infections linked to the recalled eggs. The majority of cases—63—were reported in California, followed by Nevada and Washington State with 4 cases each. Additional cases were found in Arizona, Kentucky, Nebraska, and New Jersey. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported so far. Live Events Scope of the outbreak 79 confirmed illnesses across seven states (AZ, CA, IL, IN, NE, NV, WA, WY, NM)—with symptom onset between Feb 24 and May 17, 2025, 21 hospitalizations , though no deaths reported . Cases span age 1 to 90 , median age 48; 59% female , 41% male ; majority (94%) are White. Around 90% of interviewed patients reported eating eggs before falling ill. Which egg brands are affected by the salmonella outbreak? The recall involves multiple brown organic and cage-free egg brands distributed by August Egg Company. These eggs have sell-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 19, 2025, and were sold in both local grocery stores and Walmart locations across California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, New Mexico, Wyoming, Illinois, Indiana, and Nebraska. Customers are encouraged to check the plant number codes and brand names listed on the FDA and CDC websites to confirm if their eggs are part of the recall. Quick data snapshot Metric Value Confirmed cases 79 Hospitalizations 21 Deaths 0 Recall size 1.7 million dozen eggs Affected brands Over 20 (Clover, Raleys, Sunnyside…) States (illness) AZ, CA, IL, IN, NE, NV, WA, WY, NM Distribution period Feb 3 – May 15 (varied by region) Egg codes P-6562 or CA‑5330; Julian dates 032–126 What should consumers do if they have recalled eggs at home? The CDC strongly advises against eating any of the recalled eggs. Instead, they recommend throwing them away or returning them to the store where they were bought. People should also wash all surfaces and items that may have come into contact with the recalled eggs using hot, soapy water or clean them in a dishwasher to prevent further spread of bacteria. What you should do now Check your egg cartons —look for plant codes P‑6562 or CA‑5330 , and sell-by dates matching March 4–June 19 . Discard or return any matching eggs immediately. Clean and disinfect all surfaces and utensils that touched the eggs. Watch for symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if you experience them. What steps has August Egg Company taken to contain the outbreak? In a statement to the FDA, August Egg Company said it launched the voluntary recall 'out of an abundance of caution' to protect consumers who might still have the contaminated eggs at home. They explained that once the issue was identified, they began diverting all eggs from the affected plant to a pasteurizing facility, where eggs are heat-treated to kill any harmful bacteria. The company also confirmed it is conducting an internal review to strengthen safety protocols and avoid similar incidents in the future. What are the symptoms of salmonella and who is most at risk? Salmonella typically causes symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, which can last between 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment, but in severe cases—especially among children under 5, seniors over 65, and those with weakened immune systems—hospitalization may be necessary. Every year, salmonella sickens an estimated 1.35 million people in the U.S., according to CDC data. How did the outbreak get traced back to the eggs? During an FDA inspection of a processing facility operated by August Egg Company, tests revealed a strain of salmonella that closely matched the one found in people who had fallen ill. This direct link helped investigators identify the eggs as the source of the outbreak and prompted the recall. FAQs: How do I check if my eggs are in the salmonella outbreak recall? Match the plant code and sell-by date on your brown organic or cage-free carton with the FDA recall list. What should I do if I ate recalled eggs linked to the salmonella outbreak? Monitor for fever, diarrhea or stomach cramps within 6–72 hours and call a doctor if symptoms appear.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store