Considering the growth of e-commerce in the Food Sector FSSAI has advised food business operators to ensure the safety, quality, and authenticity of food products being sold online. Compliance also fosters transparency and trust, ensuring that customers receive safe and accurately represented products. E-commerce platforms contribute to the overall strengthening, of the food safety ecosystem and help mitigate risks associated with foodborne illnesses and fraudulent practices.
One of the critical needs for e-commerce FBOs is to prioritize the training of the last-mile delivery personnel. FSSAI has certified that it is essential to ensure that delivery staff are well-trained in food safety and hygiene practices. This training should cover safe handling and transportation of food to prevent contamination, as well as personal hygiene and proper sanitization procedures. Additionally, FBOs must ensure that food and non-food items are delivered separately to avoid the risk of cross-contamination, thus safeguarding consumer health.
Furthermore, any product claims made on e-commerce platforms must be fully aligned with the information provided on the product’s physical label. No claims that are not substantiated on the product packaging should appear online. This measure is crucial to prevent the dissemination of misleading or unsupported claims, which could result in regulatory action and a loss of consumer trust. E-commerce FBOs shall have mechanisms in place to ensure that products listed on their platforms comply with FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
To maintain consumer confidence, it is also necessary to ensure that food products being delivered have sufficient remaining shelf life. FSSAI mandates that products must have a minimum shelf life of 30% or at least 45 days before expiry, at the time of delivery. In line with FSSAI’s commitment to transparency, e-commerce platforms are encouraged to prominently display FSSAI License / Registration numbers of the sellers and Hygiene Ratings obtained by food business operators. This practice will enhance consumer trust and allow them to make more informed purchasing decisions. It is reiterated that no e-commerce FBO shall list any food business operator [seller] on its platform without displaying their valid FSSAI License or Registration.