Blinkit’s Balewadi dark store in Pune has officially resumed operations after remaining shut for several days due to regulatory action taken by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The quick commerce platform, operated locally by Energy Darkstore Services, faced temporary closure after the FDA found it operating without a valid food business license and flagged several serious hygiene violations.
The shutdown occurred on June 5, 2025, when FDA officials issued a stop-business notice to the facility. This came following an inspection carried out in April and May, during which multiple food safety issues were identified. Among the violations listed were food items being stored directly on the floor, use of rusted storage racks, lack of basic hygiene gear such as hairnets for staff, and insufficient documentation regarding cold storage temperature controls and calibration records.
Notably, the store had applied for a food safety license in June 2024, but the application remained incomplete due to missing documentation. Despite earlier warnings from the FDA urging the facility to address these issues, no action was taken within the stipulated time. This ultimately led to the regulatory intervention and temporary halt in operations.
However, following the closure, Blinkit and its operating partner acted swiftly to rectify the issues. The team reportedly submitted the necessary documentation and completed all safety and compliance upgrades as instructed by authorities. On June 16, 2025, the FDA conducted a follow-up inspection and found that all regulatory conditions had been met. Consequently, the agency granted permission for the store to reopen and resume normal operations.
A Blinkit spokesperson confirmed the development and said that the company remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene across all its facilities. “Our Balewadi store has resumed operations after fully aligning with regulatory guidelines. We continue to prioritize customer trust and safety at every level,” the spokesperson said.
This incident puts a spotlight on the growing scrutiny faced by quick commerce companies in India. As players like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart expand aggressively to meet the rising demand for 10-minute deliveries, regulators are increasingly tightening checks on food safety compliance. The Balewadi case underlines how vital it is for fast delivery platforms to invest in proper storage, hygiene protocols, and licensing — not just to meet legal requirements, but also to sustain consumer confidence.
Industry experts believe that this is not an isolated case, and that several other dark stores, especially in metro cities like Pune and Mumbai, are under active monitoring. Any deviation from food safety norms is now likely to face swift regulatory action, as seen in Blinkit’s case.
While the incident posed a temporary challenge for Blinkit, the brand’s quick resolution and proactive compliance serve as a positive example for the industry. The reopening of the Balewadi store comes as reassurance to customers and stakeholders alike, showcasing that operational speed must always go hand-in-hand with safety and accountability in the quick commerce space.
