FSSAI Reinforces Food Safety Compliance amongst E-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs)

On Tuesday, November 12th, 2024, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) hosted a meeting with e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) to reinforce the importance of compliance with food safety regulations. Chaired by the CEO of FSSAI, the meeting focused on ensuring that food items delivered to consumers have a minimum shelf life of 30 percent or 45 days before expiry. The CEO also cautioned e-commerce FBOs about making unsupported claims online, emphasizing the need to prevent misleading information and protect consumers’ right to accurate product details. He underscored the critical role that online platforms play in safeguarding consumer health and ensuring transparency. Additionally, the CEO reiterated that no FBO can operate on any e-commerce platform without a valid FSSAI license or registration, stressing the importance of regulatory compliance. Further clarifying the standards, the CEO emphasized that all product claims on e-commerce platforms must be consistent with the information provided on product labels and in compliance with FSSAI’s Labelling and Display Regulations. To promote food safety at all levels, the CEO instructed FBOs to implement robust training programs for delivery personnel, ensuring they are well-versed in food safety and hygiene practices. He also highlighted the necessity of delivering food and non-food items separately to avoid cross-contamination. In conclusion, the CEO reiterated the importance of adhering to food safety standards, advocating for a transparent, compliant, and accountable e-commerce food sector that prioritizes consumer health and fosters trust in digital food marketplaces. The session, attended by over 200 participants both physically and virtually from across the country, demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing food safety standards within the e-commerce sector.