The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) held a meeting with e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) under the leadership of the CEO to reinforce compliance with food safety standards. During the meeting, the CEO emphasized the need for e-commerce FBOs to ensure that food products delivered to consumers have a minimum shelf life of 30 percent or 45 days before expiry. This measure is aimed at guaranteeing the freshness and quality of food items.
The CEO also issued a caution to FBOs against making unsupported claims online, stressing the importance of preventing misleading information to protect consumer rights. He underscored the role of online platforms in maintaining transparency and safeguarding public health. A key point of the discussion was the mandate that no FBO should operate on an e-commerce platform without a valid FSSAI license or registration, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to regulatory standards.
In addition, the CEO clarified that product claims made on e-commerce platforms must align with the details provided on product labels, as per FSSAI’s Labelling and Display Regulations. To enhance food safety, he instructed FBOs to ensure proper training for delivery personnel, equipping them with essential knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices. He also highlighted the need for separating food items from non-food items during delivery to avoid any risk of contamination.
Concluding the session, the CEO reiterated the importance of a transparent, compliant, and accountable e-commerce food sector for protecting consumer health and building trust in digital food marketplaces. The meeting saw active participation from over 200 individuals, both physically and virtually, showcasing the sector’s commitment to strengthening food safety standards within e-commerce.