FSSAI Implements Stringent Food Safety Measures for E-commerce Platforms

The FSSAI reinforced stringent food safety norms for e-commerce platforms across India, emphasizing that non-compliance will be viewed with utmost seriousness. E-commerce entities were directed to display their FSSAI License/Registration numbers, disclose warehouse details, and maintain strict adherence to hygiene and food safety protocols. All food handlers must undergo FSSAI FoSTaC training, and platforms must share their training plans and timelines with FSSAI. The FSSAI reiterated the necessity for all warehouses associated with e-commerce operations to be duly registered or licensed.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued stringent directives to over 70 e-commerce platforms, emphasizing the need for robust food safety and hygiene protocols. These measures come in response to growing concerns about food safety compliance in the rapidly expanding e-commerce sector.

In a recent meeting, FSSAI CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao directed e-commerce platforms to ensure comprehensive food safety and hygiene protocols in their facilities. This includes transparent disclosure of warehouse details on the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal and regular uploading of photographs of their facilities. Additionally, all food handlers must undergo mandatory FSSAI Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) training in hygiene protocols, with platforms required to share their training plans and timelines with the FSSAI [1].

E-commerce platforms are also directed to prominently display their FSSAI License/Registration numbers on all consumer-facing documents, including invoices, receipts, and cash memos. Furthermore, they must promote the Food Safety Connect App and display the Date of Expiry/Use By for food products at the consumer interface [2].

The FSSAI has warned that non-compliance with these directives will be viewed with utmost seriousness and could lead to severe action. All warehouses associated with e-commerce operations must be duly registered or licensed by the FSSAI, and platforms must follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and rules stipulated under the FSS Act [3].

The stringent measures come at a time when several e-commerce companies have been criticized for flouting food safety norms at their warehouses. Recent raids by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the dark stores of quick-commerce players Zepto and Blinkit highlight the need for enhanced food safety compliance [3].

The FSSAI's commitment to ensuring safe and healthy food products, regardless of the purchase channel, underscores the importance of these new directives. E-commerce platforms are expected to adhere to these stringent guidelines to maintain consumer trust and comply with regulatory requirements.

References:
[1] https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry/share-photos-of-warehouses-fssai-directs-e-comm-firms/3907419/
[2] https://food.chemlinked.com/news/food-news/fssai-imposes-stringent-food-safety-mandates-on-e-commerce-platforms-across-india
[3] https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/fssai-warns-e-comm-players-against-non-compliance-with-food-safety-norms-125070801282_1.html