FSSAI Urges E-Commerce Food Platforms to Boost Food Safety Compliance
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory to e-commerce food businesses, urging them to strengthen food safety and quality measures. This move comes as online food delivery gains popularity, making it essential to safeguard consumer health and trust.
To comply with FSSAI’s guidelines, e-commerce food business operators (FBOs) should focus on:
1. Training Delivery Personnel:
Delivery staff must be trained in food safety and hygiene practices. This includes proper handling, storage, and transportation of food items to prevent contamination.
2. Ensuring Accurate Product Information:
The product details displayed online must align with the physical product labels. Misleading or false claims can result in penalties and erode customer confidence.
3. Checking Shelf Life of Products:
It is mandatory for food products to have adequate remaining shelf life when delivered to customers, adhering to FSSAI regulations.
4. Displaying FSSAI Licenses and Hygiene Ratings:
Platforms should display FSSAI license or registration numbers for all listed sellers. Visible hygiene ratings will help customers make informed choices.
5. Verifying Sellers’ FSSAI Licenses:
All sellers on e-commerce platforms must possess valid FSSAI licenses or registrations to ensure compliance.
By implementing these measures, e-commerce FBOs can create a safer and more transparent food ecosystem, ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term trust. Strengthened compliance will not only protect consumer health but also enhance the credibility of online food delivery platforms.
