New Delhi: To strengthen food safety standards in the e-commerce sector, the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) convened a meeting with e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) under the leadership of its CEO. Held on November 12, the meeting aimed at reinforcing compliance requirements and implementing stringent practices for consumer safety across digital food marketplaces.
During the meeting, the CEO of FSSAI highlighted critical compliance measures, urging e-commerce FBOs to adopt a minimum shelf-life requirement of 30 percent or at least 45 days before expiry for food items delivered to consumers. This guideline is intended to ensure product freshness and enhance consumer trust in online food purchases.
The FSSAI CEO also cautioned FBOs against making unsupported or misleading claims online, emphasizing the importance of providing accurate and transparent product information. “Online platforms play a pivotal role in consumer health and transparency,” he noted, reiterating that any product claims must strictly align with the product labels and comply with FSSAI’s Labelling and Display Regulations.
To further enhance food safety, the CEO instructed FBOs to implement specialized training programs for delivery personnel. The aim is to empower delivery staff with essential food safety and hygiene protocols to minimize contamination risks. Additionally, the CEO underscored the importance of delivering food and non-food items separately to prevent cross-contamination.
The CEO reiterated that all FBOs must have a valid FSSAI license or registration to operate on e-commerce platforms, highlighting the agency’s commitment to regulatory compliance. He closed the session by calling for a transparent, compliant, and accountable digital food sector to foster consumer confidence and promote public health.
The session drew over 200 participants from across the country, both in person and online, underscoring the commitment of e-commerce FBOs to uphold food safety and regulatory standards. This collaborative approach marks a crucial step towards a safer, more reliable e-commerce food landscape in India.