UPFSDA Cracks Down on Online Food Stores Across Uttar Pradesh, Multiple Licenses Suspended The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration has launched a statewide inspection drive targeting online food platforms and dark stores, leading to license suspensions and business halts over severe violations. In an effort to ensure the quality and safety of food items reaching consumers through online platforms, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (UPFSDA) has initiated a comprehensive statewide special inspection drive. Under the 'Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai' campaign, warehouses, dark stores, and food supply centers associated with various e-commerce platforms are being thoroughly inspected. The primary objective of this ongoing operation is to guarantee that every food product delivered to citizens is completely safe and meets all regulatory standards. Four Store Licenses Suspended and Operations Halted Following inspections that uncovered significant non-compliance with food safety standards, the licenses of four separate stores have been suspended, and their food business operations have been ordered to shut down. Thus far, a total of 149 inspections have been conducted, with 21 food samples collected for laboratory testing. Additionally, the food safety department teams have recommended issuing improvement notices in 79 cases. These checks place special emphasis on proper food storage conditions, premises cleanliness, temperature control, product validity periods, and adherence to licensing terms. Severe Filth and Cockroaches Found at Ghaziabad Warehouse During an inspection of a warehouse store located near RDL in Ghaziabad, authorities discovered alarming conditions on the premises. The inspection revealed extreme filth, cobwebs on walls, damaged flooring, and crucially, live cockroaches roaming freely in the food handling area. In light of these severe lapses in hygiene and food safety, proceedings have been initiated to suspend the establishment's food license. Maintaining high standards of cleanliness in warehouses and dark stores is critical since these facilities store food items and prepare orders for delivery, making the presence of pests and dirt a direct threat to safe food handling. Storage and Licensing Discrepancies Uncovered in Kanpur Multiple irregularities came to light during store inspections in Kanpur Nagar. Investigations revealed that although the establishments' licenses included provisions for controlled atmosphere and cold storage facilities, the required chambers had not actually been established on-site. Furthermore, an individual who had resigned from the designated nominee position nearly two years prior was still listed on the active license. Violations regarding the prescribed 30 percent threshold for the 'best before' period were also detected in certain confectionery products. Consequently, the authorities proceeded to suspend the licenses of these establishments and halted their food operations until all deficiencies are fully rectified. Makhana Packets Worth Thousands Seized in Agra During an inspection of a store in Agra, enforcement teams intercepted and seized 273 packets of makhana (fox nuts). The total market value of these seized food items is estimated to be around 68,000 rupees. Further legal proceedings regarding these substandard food products are currently underway in accordance with established rules and regulations. Rigorous Checks Across the Entire Supply Chain The special inspection drive encompasses every stage of the supply chain, ranging from secure storage conditions to final delivery. Enforcement teams are meticulously verifying whether food products are maintained at appropriate temperatures and if cold chain requirements are being met. Furthermore, bill vouchers, purchase records, and procurement documents related to the sourcing and supply of food items are being thoroughly examined. The personal hygiene, health records, and mandatory training documentation of personnel employed in the food business also fall under the scrutiny of this campaign. Departmental teams are actively verifying pest control measures and checking the maintenance of associated logs. Focus on Best Before Dates and Packaging Standards Throughout the inspections, officers are strictly checking the 'best before' dates of all available food items. Adherence to provisions governing the 30 percent and 45-day thresholds under campaign standards is being rigorously evaluated. Particular attention is being directed toward confectionery items following the discovery of expiration date irregularities. Additionally, packaging standards, handling procedures, and details concerning delivery personnel are being verified. The cleanliness of equipment and the status of Clean in Place (CIP) systems are also inspected to ensure that surfaces coming into contact with food comply with mandated hygiene benchmarks. This follows previous state-wide actions by the FSDA targeting restaurants across multiple cities, including the destruction of unhygienically manufactured soy chaap in Ghaziabad. What this means for you This stringent enforcement drive by food safety authorities significantly enhances the quality assurance and safety of grocery items ordered through online platforms by everyday consumers. • Across India: Consumers ordering groceries and food items through e-commerce channels can expect stricter compliance and safer handling practices nationwide. This regulatory crackdown forces online dark stores and warehouses across the board to upgrade their hygiene standards and storage infrastructure. • In Uttar Pradesh: Food business operators across districts like Ghaziabad, Kanpur, and Agra face immediate compliance pressure to adhere strictly to licensing terms and sanitation rules. Local warehouses and dark stores found violating safety norms will continue to face direct penal action and business closures. Why this happened This special statewide enforcement operation was launched to curb widespread regulatory lapses and inadequate storage conditions discovered across online-delivered food items. • Regulatory Non-Compliance: Numerous dark stores and warehouses failed to maintain basic food safety and standard regulations, including a lack of fundamental cleanliness and proper temperature management. • Consumer Health Protection: Following persistent concerns regarding the safety and quality of food items distributed through e-commerce channels, the administration initiated this targeted proactive campaign. • Administrative Lapses: Surprise inspections exposed serious operational oversights, including expired stock handling, pest infestations, and outdated license nominations featuring personnel who had long departed. Questions & Answers 1. Why did UPFSDA launch this special inspection drive? The drive was launched to ensure the quality and safety of food products reaching consumers through online delivery platforms. 2. How many inspections have been conducted under this campaign so far? A total of 149 inspections have been conducted so far, and 21 food samples have been collected for laboratory testing. 3. What violations were found at the Ghaziabad warehouse? The Ghaziabad warehouse exhibited extreme filth, cobwebs on walls, damaged flooring, and live cockroaches in the food handling area. 4. What irregularities were uncovered during store inspections in Kanpur? Kanpur stores lacked required cold storage chambers, maintained outdated license nominees who had resigned two years prior, and violated threshold limits on confectionery products. 5. What action was taken by authorities in Agra? Authorities in Agra seized 273 packets of makhana valued at approximately 68,000 rupees during a store inspection. 6. How many store licenses have been suspended so far? Licenses of four stores have been suspended and their food business operations halted due to safety and compliance violations. https://trendkia.com/en/uttar-pradesh/up-men-online-food-stores-para-upfsda-ka-bara-action-kai-jagahon-para-licenses-suspended-51381 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.