Food Safety Drive Exposes Expired Stock in Tirupati's Dark Stores
According to officials, some products had remained in stock even though their expiry dates had passed nearly a year ago
TIRUPATI: Despite repeated enforcement drives against food adulteration and the sale of expired products, the problem continues to surface in Tirupati, with municipal authorities now finding expired and spoilt food items in quick commerce warehouses supplying online orders.
In the latest crackdown, Municipal Corporation of Tirupati (MCT) officials seized more than 600 kg of expired and unfit food products during surprise inspections at dark stores operated by quick commerce platforms, including Blinkit and Instamart, at various locations in the city.
The inspections were launched after the civic body received complaints from consumers alleging that expired food items were being supplied through online delivery platforms. Teams inspected warehouses on Vaikuntapuram Road, Bhupal Housing Colony, Tirumala Bypass Road, Avilala and other locations.
Officials found expired milk, curd, cooking oil, pulses, bread, snacks, bottled beverages, tetra-pack juices, frozen chicken and fish. Rotten and fungus-covered vegetables were also found stored alongside fresh vegetables, creating a risk of cross-contamination. According to officials, some products had remained in stock even though their expiry dates had passed nearly a year ago.
Municipal corporation health officer Dr Yuva Anvesh said one Blinkit warehouse at Bhupal Housing Colony was found to be maintaining hygienic conditions, while another facility on Vaikuntapuram Road had unhygienic surroundings, spoilt vegetables and poor waste management.
He said two Instamart warehouses were found storing expired food products along with fresh stock, increasing the possibility of contamination. Around 600 kg of expired groceries, dairy products, packaged beverages, bread and frozen fish were seized and destroyed in the presence of the warehouse representatives.
Dr Anvesh said penalties had been imposed on the establishments that violated food safety norms. He directed operators to remove expired products immediately and ensure that only safe food items are stocked for sale. He warned that repeated violations would invite stricter action, including cancellation of trade licences under municipal regulations.
The latest inspections follow recent raids on hotels, restaurants, ice cream parlours and meat shops in Tirupati, where officials seized spoilt food and rotten meat. Municipal officials stated that they would continue enforcement drives in response to ongoing complaints from the public about expired and adulterated food products.
