After Cockroaches in Mumbai, Rat Allegedly Found in Blinkit Ice Cream Freezer in Thane
Thane: A video allegedly showing a rat running inside an ice cream freezer at a Blinkit store in Kalyan’s Godrej Hill area has sparked fresh concerns over food safety and hygiene standards at quick-commerce facilities in Maharashtra.
The incident reportedly came to light when a group of youngsters visited the store to purchase ice cream. While looking through the freezer, they allegedly spotted a rat moving inside the compartment, close to packaged food products.
The youngsters recorded the incident on their phones, and videos of the alleged sighting have since circulated online.
The footage has triggered concern among local residents, with calls for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the store and take appropriate action if violations are confirmed.
Growing Concerns Over Food Hygiene
The latest incident comes amid increased scrutiny of food storage and handling practices at facilities associated with quick-commerce platforms across Maharashtra.
Earlier, the Maharashtra FDA conducted a state-wide inspection drive covering establishments involved in the storage, sale and delivery of food through online platforms.
Officials reportedly inspected 86 establishments and identified several food-safety and hygiene violations. The department issued 60 improvement notices and suspended the licences of 14 establishments associated with major quick-commerce platforms.
Among the suspended establishments were facilities linked to Blinkit, Zepto and Instamart.
Cockroaches Found at Blinkit-Linked Facility
A Blinkit-linked facility in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area was also reportedly found to have several hygiene-related issues during an FDA inspection.
Officials cited inadequate drainage and waste-disposal arrangements, problems with temperature control for frozen products and poor housekeeping.
Inspectors also reportedly found a cockroach infestation, along with damaged flooring and ceilings. Food products were allegedly not being stored with adequate segregation.
The facility was classified as non-compliant after reportedly scoring 34 out of 74 during the inspection.
More Violations Reported in Malad
At another Blinkit-linked facility in Malad West, authorities reportedly suspended the FSSAI licence after finding multiple violations.
According to inspection findings, the chiller room was operating at 6°C, which officials said was above the prescribed temperature for the products being stored.
The facility also reportedly failed to provide medical examination records for around 40 food handlers.
Several workers were allegedly found without basic protective equipment, including gloves, aprons and head coverings.
The latest alleged rat sighting in Kalyan has added to growing questions about hygiene and storage conditions at quick-commerce warehouses and dark stores. Any action against the particular facility will depend on the findings of an official inspection.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
