FSSAI reinforces food safety compliance amongst eCommerce food business operators

The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) convened a meeting with eCommerce Food Business operators (FBOs) on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, under the chairmanship of CEO, FSSAI to reinforce compliance requirements for eCommerce FBOs. The CEO asked the e-commerce FBOs to adopt practices to ensure minimum shelf life of 30 percent or 45 days before expiry at the time of delivery to the consumer.

CEO, FSSAI also cautioned the FBOs against making unsupported claims online. This would prevent misleading information and protect consumers’ right to accurate product details. He highlighted the pivotal role of online platforms in protecting consumer health and promoting transparency. He reiterated the mandate that no FBO can operate on any eCommerce platform without a valid FSSAI license or Registration, emphasizing the critical need for regulatory compliance.

Further, the CEO clarified that any product claims made on eCommerce platforms must align with the information provided on the product labels and in adherence to FSSAI’s Labelling and Display Regulations.

In a move to ensure safe food handling at every level, he instructed FBOs to implement proper training programs for delivery personnel, empowering them with essential food safety and hygiene protocols. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of delivering food items and non-food items separately to the consumers to avoid potential contamination. In his concluding remarks, the CEO, FSSAI underscored the need for all eCommerce FBOs to adhere to food safety standards diligently. He emphasized that a transparent, compliant, and accountable eCommerce food sector is vital for protecting consumer health and fostering confidence in digital food marketplaces.

The session was attended by over 200 participants joined both physically and virtually from across the country, underscoring the significant commitment to strengthening food safety standards within the eCommerce sector.