FSSAI issues advisory for e-commerce FBOs to strengthen food safety ecosystem; prohibits unregistered sellers on e-commerce food platforms

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has issued advisory for e-commerce Food Business Operators (“FBOs”) on strengthening food safety compliance.

Key compliance obligations for e-commerce FBOs:

1. E-commerce FBOs need to prioritize the training of last mile delivery personnel;
2. deliver food and non-food items separately to prevent cross-contamination;
3. any product claims made on e-commerce platforms must be fully aligned with the information provided on the product’s physical label and ensure compliance with FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations;
4. delivered food products must have at least 30% remaining shelf life or a minimum of 45 days before expiry at the time of delivery;
5. platforms are prohibited from listing sellers who do not possess a valid FSSAI License or Registration;
6. e-commerce platforms are encouraged to prominently display FSSAI license/registration numbers of sellers and hygiene ratings obtained by the FBOs.

A copy of the Advisory is attached for ease of reference.

Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India