The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have issued a strong warning to e-commerce platforms regarding the necessity of adhering to stringent food safety and hygiene protocols. This directive was highlighted during a recent meeting led by FSSAI CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao, attended by representatives from over 70 major e-commerce companies. The primary focus of the meeting was to bolster food safety practices across the digital food supply chain, which has seen rapid expansion in recent years.
The FSSAI emphasized that compliance with food safety standards is crucial, and any violations will be treated with seriousness that could lead to severe punitive measures. Key directives were outlined during this meeting, which include mandates for e-commerce platforms to display their FSSAI License or Registration numbers on all consumer-facing documents, such as receipts and invoices. Additionally, platforms are required to provide information about the Food Safety Connect App to consumers, enhancing transparency and accessibility of food safety resources.
A significant point of discussion was the requirement for e-commerce entities to disclose detailed information about their warehouses and storage facilities on the FoSCoS portal, which is essential for ensuring safety along the food delivery chain. The FSSAI also proposed that e-commerce platforms consider displaying “Date of Expiry” or “Use By” information directly to consumers, aiming to promote informed purchasing decisions.
The meeting further mandated strict adherence to hygiene protocols within all warehouses and storage areas associated with e-commerce food operations. Companies are required to regularly upload photographs of these facilities to the FoSCoS portal to ensure compliance. Another crucial directive involved the training of food handlers, including e-commerce personnel, who must undergo the FSSAI’s Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) course. E-commerce platforms will need to share their training plans and timelines with the FSSAI to ensure proper education on hygiene protocols.
The necessity for all warehouses linked to e-commerce operations to be registered or licensed by the FSSAI was reiterated vigorously. E-commerce platforms are also expected to provide data regarding their warehouses, food handlers, and other pertinent information to FSSAI, thereby reinforcing transparency and compliance across the board. The meeting concluded with a reminder that food safety is a collective responsibility, stressing that every entity involved in the supply chain—from manufacturing to home delivery—must adhere to safety regulations.
This collaborative approach is essential for ensuring consumer safety, as the FSSAI remains committed to delivering safe and healthy food products, whether through traditional retail or modern e-commerce channels. The recent dialogue reflects FSSAI’s proactive stance in effectively regulating the evolving landscape of food delivery and maintaining high food safety standards to protect Indian consumers.
-Raja Aditya
