FSSAI Directs E-commerce Platforms to Rectify Misclassification of Food Products

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to all e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) to ensure the accurate categorization of food products sold on their platforms.

FSSAI’s move comes in response to observations of food products licensed under ‘Proprietary Food’ being misrepresented on e-commerce websites. These products, such as Dairy Based Beverage Mix or Cereal Based Beverage Mix or Malt Based Beverage, were found to be incorrectly labeled as ‘Health Drink’ or ‘Energy Drink’.

In a statement, FSSAI clarified that the term ‘Health Drink’ lacks standardization under the FSS Act 2006 or its associated regulations. Therefore, it advised e-commerce FBOs to promptly rectify this misclassification by relocating such products to the appropriate category as specified by existing regulations.

Proprietary Foods, which are not standardized under FSSAI regulations but utilize standardized ingredients, should be correctly categorized to provide consumers with accurate information.

Additionally, FSSAI emphasized that the term ‘Energy Drinks’ should only be used for products licensed under specific categories outlined in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations. These regulations stipulate that ‘Energy Drinks’ are applicable to products falling under the Carbonated and Non-carbonated water-based flavored drinks categories.

The corrective action aims to enhance clarity and transparency in food labeling, ensuring that consumers can make informed choices without encountering misleading information.

By urging e-commerce platforms to rectify misclassifications and adhere to regulatory standards, FSSAI seeks to uphold consumer trust and promote responsible marketing practices in the food industry.