Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 1: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sought an explanation from quick commerce platform Blinkit after receiving a complaint from a consumer who allegedly fell ill after consuming curd purchased through the company's mobile application, sources said.
According to sources, the food regulator received a written complaint from a person who reportedly suffered severe stomach pain and diarrhoea shortly after consuming the curd and had to seek medical treatment. The complainant has also submitted a medical prescription along with the complaint.
Following the complaint, FSSAI on May 29 reportedly wrote to the Chief Executive Officer of Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd, as well as the person in charge of operations, seeking an explanation regarding the incident.
Sources said the regulator has, in recent months, received several complaints through social media platforms and direct representations alleging the supply of unhygienic, spoiled or damaged food items by sellers operating through the Blinkit platform.
FSSAI has directed the company to provide a detailed explanation and submit a comprehensive Action Taken Report (ATR) on the matter.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations, e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to comply with Sections 26 and 27 of the Act, which hold food business operators responsible for the safety of food products manufactured, stored or distributed by them.
Earlier this month, the food regulator had also sought an explanation from Blinkit over consumer complaints regarding the sale of poor-quality eggs through its platform. In that case, FSSAI had taken suo motu cognisance of complaints posted on social media.
Meanwhile, FSSAI recently issued a notice to the state-run Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) after taking suo motu cognisance of a video circulating on social media that allegedly showed utensils being washed inside a toilet area of a train compartment.
The latest action reflects the regulator's continued focus on food safety standards and consumer complaints involving online food delivery and quick commerce platforms.