According to media reports, the regulator has also asked the quick commerce firm to submit a detailed Action Taken Report amid growing complaints over food quality
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sought a response from quick commerce platform Blinkit after receiving a complaint from a consumer who allegedly fell ill following the consumption of curd purchased through the app, according to media reports.
The food regulator received a written complaint from an individual who reportedly required medical treatment after consuming the product ordered via Blinkit. Sources said the complainant submitted supporting medical documents, including a prescription, along with the complaint. Following the complaint, FSSAI is understood to have issued a letter dated 29 May to the Chief Executive Officer of Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd, as well as the person responsible for operations. The communication was sent after the regulator reviewed allegations that the consumer experienced severe stomach pain and diarrhoea shortly after consuming the curd ordered through the platform.
According to the media reports, the complainant sought medical assistance after developing symptoms soon after consuming the product.
The latest case comes amid growing concerns raised with the regulator regarding the quality of food products sold through the quick commerce platform. Sources indicated that FSSAI has received multiple complaints in recent months through social media channels and formal representations alleging the delivery of unhygienic, spoiled, or damaged food items by sellers operating on Blinkit.
In its communication, the food regulator has asked Blinkit to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident and submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR).
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations, ecommerce food business operators are required to comply with Sections 26 and 27 of the law. These provisions hold food business operators accountable for the safety of food products manufactured, stored, distributed, or sold through their platforms.
The development follows another regulatory intervention earlier this month when FSSAI sought an explanation from Blinkit over consumer complaints concerning the alleged sale of poor-quality eggs on its platform. In that instance, the authority had taken suo motu cognisance of complaints circulating on social media.
Separately, FSSAI recently issued a notice to the state-run railway catering and ticketing arm, IRCTC, after taking suo motu cognisance of a social media video purportedly showing utensils being washed inside a train toilet area.
(With input from agency)
