FSSAI Issues Advisory For E-Commerce Food Business Operators To Ensure Consumer Protection
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued directives on food safety norms to E-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) such as Swiggy, Zomato, Big Basket, etc. This was done with an intent to ensure that consumers receive safe and accurately represented products. Due compliance of the directions would make the industry more transparent thereby...
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued directives on food safety norms to E-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) such as Swiggy, Zomato, Big Basket, etc. This was done with an intent to ensure that consumers receive safe and accurately represented products. Due compliance of the directions would make the industry more transparent thereby eliminating the possibilities of any risks and fraudulent practices.
Considering the rapid growth of E-Commerce in the food sector and in larger consumer interest, the authority directed as follows:
- Training of delivery staff: Adequate training with respect to food safety and personal hygiene must be provided to delivery partners. To avoid contamination, businesses must educate their employees on food transportation and safe handling.
- No misrepresentation of product claims: Food delivery platforms shall display the product claims as they appear on the packaging. No claims should be made which are not on the product label so as to maintain consumer trust and confidence.
- Sufficient shelf life of products: Food delivery platforms must ensure that their products meet the freshness standards. All delivered products must have a minimum shelf life of 30% or remain consumable for at least 45 days before expiry. It aims to prevent distribution of expired food products.
- Display of FSSAI license; Businesses are also encouraged to display the FSSAI license of the sellers who are operating on their platform. In the absence of a valid FSSAI registration, no delivery platform shall list any food seller