FSSAI to Enforce Stricter Regulations on Quick Delivery Platforms
India's food safety authority is set to implement new rules for online delivery services to enhance accountability and safety.
FSSAI plans to mandate display of manufacturing and expiry dates on food products.
Regulatory actions against major platforms like Blinkit and Swiggy have increased significantly.
The online grocery sector, valued at $80 billion, is facing a transformative regulatory landscape.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is gearing up to impose stricter regulations on quick delivery online platforms, including major players such as Blinkit, Swiggy's Instamart, and Amazon Now. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance food safety standards across India's vast consumer market. FSSAI's Chief Executive Officer, Rajit Punhani, emphasized the need for accountability among these platforms during a recent interview, stating, "We are trying to tighten and make them accountable."
In its upcoming regulations, FSSAI intends to require online food listings to clearly display critical information such as manufacturing and expiry dates, as well as batch numbers. Additionally, the authority aims to hold these platforms responsible for any misleading claims made by manufacturers. Proposed measures also include mandating the display of photographs and addresses of dark kitchens and implementing stricter checks on dark stores to ensure compliance with proper storage conditions, particularly for frozen items.
The regulatory body has ramped up enforcement actions in recent months, responding to consumer complaints and conducting investigations. Major e-commerce platforms, including Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, Walmart-owned Flipkart, and Amazon India, have faced penalties for various violations, including misbranding and the sale of prohibited items. The online grocery segment, which accounts for approximately 51% of sales in India's $80 billion online retail market, is poised for significant changes due to these regulatory actions.
FSSAI's scrutiny is not limited to online platforms; it has also intensified oversight of food manufacturers, hotels, and restaurants regarding advertising practices, product claims, and food storage. Notable companies such as Nestle India, PepsiCo, and Dabur have been reprimanded for non-compliance. Punhani has called for state food and drug enforcement agencies to enhance their oversight of these businesses, indicating a comprehensive approach to food safety.
As the FSSAI continues its crackdown, the number of prosecutions involving e-commerce companies has reportedly increased five- to sixfold over the past year. While there are signs of improvement in compliance among these companies, Punhani noted that progress is not occurring as swiftly as desired. The regulatory body's intensified scrutiny follows a surge in consumer complaints and viral social media posts highlighting malpractices in the food industry. Between April and September, FSSAI conducted approximately 700,000 inspections, nearly double the number from the previous year, underscoring its commitment to ensuring food safety in India.
