FSSAI asks e-commerce FBOs to desist from giving false information about food

The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) convened a meeting of e-commerce Food Business operators (FBOs) in Delhi to reinforce food safety compliance in the e-commerce FBOs.

The meeting chaired by FSSAI, CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao 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 of food products to the consumer.

Rao 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 e-commerce platform without a valid FSSAI licence or Registration, emphasising the critical need for regulatory compliance.

Further, the CEO clarified that any product claims made on e-commerce 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 programmes for delivery personnel, empowering them with essential food safety and hygiene protocols. Additionally, he emphasised 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 e-commerce FBOs to adhere to food safety standards diligently. He emphasised that a transparent, compliant, and accountable e-commerce food sector is vital for protecting consumer health and fostering confidence in digital food marketplaces.

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