Rubber-like eggs; bad odour: Food regulator FSSAI seeks explanation from Blinkit as complaints mount

Food regulator FSSAI has sought an explanation from quick-commerce platform Blinkit following consumer complaints over the alleged sale of poor-quality eggs, sources said.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken “suo-moto cognizance” of complaints circulating on social media platforms.

According to sources, the regulator wrote to Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd on Friday, directing the company to submit a “comprehensive ATR (action taken report)” within a week regarding the complaints.
Viral social media complaints over eggs

Consumers allegedly complained about eggs having a bad odour and a rubber-like texture. Several posts and videos related to eggs ordered through online grocery platforms have gone viral on social media.

In one complaint, a woman claimed she ordered eggs online from Blinkit. After boiling and peeling them, she allegedly found a “rubber-like substance” inside instead of a normal egg. She further claimed that all the eggs in the batch appeared “fake” and rubbery.

Another viral video showed a woman describing the white portion of boiled eggs as unusual and rubbery, triggering questions over food quality. However, according to experts mentioned in the post, such texture changes can occur if eggs are stored in excessively cold temperatures or if the eggs are old.

In another complaint shared online, a consumer wrote: “I received egg packets that were completely spoiled and covered in some kind of oil.”

FSSAI advisory on e-commerce food platforms

Sources added that e-commerce companies are also responsible for the quality of products sold through their platforms. In an advisory issued on December 3, 2024, the FSSAI had said: “Considering the growth of e-commerce in the Food Sector, compliance by e-commerce food business operators becomes crucial for ensuring the safety, quality, and authenticity of food products being sold online.”

The regulator had also stated that any product claims made on e-commerce platforms must fully match the information provided on the physical product label.

It further said that e-commerce FBOs (food business operators) should have systems to ensure that products listed on their platforms comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.

The advisory added that platforms should not list any food business operator or seller without displaying a valid FSSAI licence or registration.