Zomato-owned Blinkit responds to raid by Telangana Food Safety Department; know about the violations and how they affect your health

The Telangana Food Safety Department made a post on X detailing the raid, saying, “Task force team has conducted an inspection in Blinkit Warehouse at Devar yamjal, Medchal Malkajgiri District on 05.06.2024”.

Here’s what the department uncovered:

– The premises were disorganised, unhygienic, and dusty, with storage racks in poor condition.

– There were no Fostac trainees available.

– Food handlers were observed without headgear, gloves, and aprons.

– Medical fitness certificates for food handlers were unavailable.

– Cosmetic products were improperly stored alongside food items.

– The license of Whole Farm Congruence Trade and Services Pvt Ltd did not comply with the FSS Act regarding the address mentioned on the label. A notice will be issued.

– Products manufactured by Kamakshi Foods had expired licenses. Therefore, products from VSR, including Suji, Raw peanut butter, Maida, Poha, Besan, and Bajra worth Rs. 30k, were seized.

– Suspected infested whole farm ragi flour and toor dal worth Rs 52k were seized, and samples were sent to the lab for testing.

Notice will be issued, and further action will be taken accordingly.”

Task force team has conducted inspection in 𝗕𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 at Devar yamjal, Medchal Malkajgiri District on 05.06.2024.

* The premises found to be very disorganised, unhygienic and dusty at storage racks.

* There is no Fostac trainee available.

* Food… pic.twitter.com/FmZROCrGcC

— Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana (@cfs_telangana) June 6, 2024

How do such violations affect your health?

Dr Sudhir Kumar, a consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, emphasised the significant risk of infections associated with unhygienic storage. “Many infections, such as food and water-borne diseases like typhoid and cholera, are common due to such storage conditions. Additionally, storing food beyond its expiry date increases the risk of contamination,” he said.

Unhygienic conditions like those reported in the Blinkit warehouse can have serious health implications, stressed Dr Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.

Infectious diseases

Dust and poor sanitation increase the risk of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, which can lead to respiratory issues, gastrointestinal illnesses, and skin infections, mentioned Dr Mule.

Allergic reactions

Accumulation of dust and mold can trigger allergies, causing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itching, and respiratory distress.

Asthma exacerbation

Dust and allergens can worsen asthma symptoms, leading to more frequent and severe asthma attacks.

Long-term health risks

Chronic exposure to unclean conditions can lead to long-term health problems, including chronic respiratory conditions and weakened immune systems, said Dr Mule.

One may also experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, as well as fatigue, loss of appetite, dehydration, abdominal discomfort, or pain with the consumption of such foods. This is why, it is essential to check labels of everything you buy, whether offline or online, experts urge.