The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has urged food-delivering companies like Swiggy and Zomato to deliver products to their customers that have at least 30% of their shelf life left. This step was taken to prevent these companies from delivering products that are about to expire soon at the time they are purchased. This policy was brought about as a result of a meeting held with operators of e-commerce food businesses (FBOs), where FSSAI encouraged e-commerce FBOs to adopt practices that protect consumer welfare and health. The meeting saw an enthusiastic participation of 200 people joining both virtually and physically where the CEO emphasized the vital importance of e-commerce platforms in safeguarding consumer health and building confidence in online food markets.
The food regulator CEO also warned FBOs to avoid making deceptive or misguiding statements about the products online, highlighting the significance of precise product details and transparency for consumers. He also reminded the FBOs about the fact that they cannot overlook existing food safety standards to uphold their 10-minute delivery promises.
FSSAI said, “He (the CEO) highlighted the pivotal role of online platforms in protecting consumer health and promoting transparency. He reiterated the mandate that no FBO can operate on any e-commerce platform without a valid FSSAI licence or Registration, emphasising the critical need for regulatory compliance.”
To safeguard customer’s wellness and safety, the CEO advised FBOs to give training to their delivery agents where they are made aware of the hygiene protocols and food safety. He further emphasized preventing any possible cross-contamination by carrying edible and non-edible items separately.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) functioning as a legal entity governed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India since 2006, oversees the production, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food products, while also setting standards to guarantee food safety for consumers.