Warehouses and dark stores of e-commerce platforms including Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon and Reliance thoroughly inspected under the "Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai" campaign
149 inspections conducted across the state so far; improvement notices recommended in 79 cases
Filth and cockroaches found at Zepto warehouse in Ghaziabad; storage and license-related irregularities exposed in Kanpur
273 packets of makhana worth about Rs 68,000 seized in Agra
21 food samples sent for testing; inspection drive continues
The campaign aims to ensure safety standards are followed in online food supply
Lucknow, 2026 October: To ensure the quality and safety of food items reaching consumers through online platforms, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has run a statewide special inspection drive. Under the "Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai" campaign, warehouses, dark stores and food supply centers linked to various e-commerce platforms, including Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon, Reliance and Metro, are being inspected. During the campaign, the licenses of four stores have so far been suspended and their food business operations shut down. In total, 149 inspections have been carried out and 21 food samples collected for testing. The inspections are focusing particularly on safe storage of food items, cleanliness of premises, temperature control, expiry periods, and compliance with license conditions.
Licenses of four stores suspended, food business shut down
Under the campaign, licenses of four stores have been suspended and their food business operations shut down after shortcomings were found in compliance with food safety standards. In addition, issuing improvement notices has been recommended in 79 cases. Food safety department teams are conducting inspections in various districts. Action is being taken as per rules against the establishments concerned, based on the irregularities found during inspection. The department's emphasis is on getting food businesses to follow the prescribed standards and ensuring that safe food reaches consumers.
Filth and cockroaches found at Zepto warehouse in Ghaziabad
During the inspection of the Zepto warehouse store near RDC in Ghaziabad, extreme filth, cobwebs on the walls, damaged flooring and cockroaches were found in the food premises. In view of the serious lapses in hygiene and food safety in the food premises, action is being taken to suspend the establishment's food license. Hygiene in warehouses and dark stores is crucial, because this is where food items are stored and prepared for supply as per orders. The presence of filth and pests can therefore affect the safe handling of food items.
Storage arrangement and license-related lapses in Kanpur
During the inspection of Reliance Mart, Metro and Zepto stores in Kanpur Nagar, several irregularities came to light. The investigation found that although the licenses of the establishments concerned provided for controlled atmosphere and cold storage arrangements, the required chambers had not been installed. Moreover, the name of a nominee who had resigned about two years earlier was still found recorded in the license. A violation of the prescribed 30 percent limit relating to the best-before period was also found in some confectionery products. In view of these lapses, action has been taken to suspend the licenses of the establishments concerned and to shut down their food business until the shortcomings are rectified. It is the responsibility of food businesses to provide storage facilities in line with the conditions recorded in their licenses and to keep the required details updated.
273 packets of makhana worth Rs 68,000 seized in Agra
During the inspection of a Reliance store in Agra, 273 packets of makhana of the RAI LAIES brand were seized. Their total value is stated to be about Rs 68,000. Further action is being taken as per rules in respect of the food item concerned.
Checks at every level, from storage to delivery
During the special campaign, arrangements for safe storage of food items, cleanliness of premises and temperature control are being checked. The status of keeping food items at the prescribed temperature and maintaining the cold chain as required is also being examined. In addition, bills, vouchers and necessary records relating to the purchase and supply of food materials are being scrutinized. Documents relating to the personal hygiene, health records and required training of employees engaged in the food business are also within the scope of the checks. Department teams are checking pest control arrangements and their records. Also being examined are the keeping of food items and other materials in designated, separate areas, the identification of expired, inactive or unusable food materials, and arrangements for their disposal as per rules.
Focus on best-before period and packaging
During the inspections, the best-before period of food items is being checked. Compliance with provisions relating to the 30 percent and 45-day limits, as per the campaign's prescribed standards, is also being tested. Special attention is being given to this aspect after irregularities related to the best-before period were found in confectionery products. In addition, necessary details relating to the packing, handling and delivery staff for food items are being checked. The cleanliness and hygiene of equipment and the status of the CIP (Cleaning in Place) system are also being examined, so that the cleaning of surfaces and equipment that come into contact with food items meets the prescribed standards.
