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A Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection has led to the suspension of the food licence of Blinkit, a quick e-commerce app, at its Malad West, Mumbai store. The suspension came after officials noted intense violation of hygiene, such as cockroach infestation and unsanitary conditions. In an era where everything can be delivered to your doorstep, the action has highlighted a basic question for the users: how do you know the groceries supplied to your door are actually fresh and safe to consume?
With grocery apps becoming a go-to solution for everything, the delivered bag is considered exactly like a fresh, sealed package. But this fresh produce still needs a quick inspection at home. Here are some useful checks that you should consider before you take anything from the order into use.
Examine The Fresh Produce Thoroughly
If you have ordered vegetables and fruits, wait before simply placing everything in the refrigerator. Spread them out and check thoroughly for mould, unusual softness, leaking juice, any insect damage or foul odour. One bruised tomato does not mean that every other item is bad, but the one with signs of spoilage should be thrown away instantly.
This is particularly important to check with leafy greens, berries, tomatoes and other produce that you have ordered pre-cut, as they can spoil faster than other firm vegetables like carrots or gourds.
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Check The Dairy And Chilled Products As Soon As They Arrive
Milk, paneer, yoghurt, fresh juices and other foods that need refrigeration deserve more attention, as temperature is important to maintain their quality. Check if the chilled products feel properly cold when they are delivered and look at the use-by or expiry date precisely.
Also check the packet itself; if any of it feels like swelling, leakage, broken seals or any unusual odour after opening the packet ist should not be consumed. If something seems incorrect, photograph it and report it via the app instantly.
Don't Let A Discount Make You Ignore The Date
That alluring discount flashing for yoghurt, cheese, bread or other packaged food is worth a second glance if the product is near its expiry date. For food that is sold cold through e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms, FSSAI has published guidance around the remaining shelf life.
It includes a requirement that products that are delivered should have at least 30 per cent of shelf life remaining or 45 days before expiry, as relevant. Check the date displayed on the app if available, then confirm on the physical pack as well once it arrives.
Look Closely At Seals, Packets And Containers
A small dent on the canned product does not automatically mean it is a food-safety issue, but a broken seal, torn pouch, leaking packet or visibly impaired container deserves your closer attention. This counts especially for canned foods, sauces, dairy items and ready-to-eat foods.
Before storing them, check the packaging thoroughly for the expiry, use-by date or storage instructions, if any. It takes less than a minute and is far more effortless than finding a damaged package after it has gone bad in the refrigerator.
Keep Raw And Ready-To-Eat Foods Apart
A single grocery order can have vegetables, raw meat, dairy products, fruit and other packaged foods. Once you unpack everything, keep the raw foods away from ready-to-eat ones to reduce the chance of cross-contamination. Use clean surfaces to store them and utensils when making them.
The delivery bag may have crossed several handling points, so avoid letting its contents come into unwanted contact with food that is ready to eat.
(Credits: Freepik)
Take Pictures Before You Throw Suspicious Food Away
If you have received a visibly spoiled product, have damaged packaging or a product that appears to be contaminated, take photographs before throwing. Note the order number, product label and delivery details as well.
Reporting the issue promptly gives the platform a clear idea of what was delivered and makes it more manageable to request a substitute or refund in that case.
