The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is taking strong measures to regulate the operations of quick commerce and e-commerce companies. With the rapid growth of online platforms delivering food and grocery items, concerns about safety, hygiene, and accurate labeling have come under scrutiny. In response to these challenges, FSSAI has implemented stringent guidelines to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, particularly regarding the disclosure of expiry dates on packaged items.
In this blog, we’ll explore the five key highlights of these developments, their implications for quick commerce companies, and why these changes are critical for consumer safety and trust.
1. Mandatory Expiry Date Disclosure
One of the primary concerns raised by FSSAI is the lack of proper labeling of expiry dates on packaged food items. To address this, the authority has mandated that all packaged food products delivered via quick commerce platforms must have:
- A minimum shelf life of 30% at the time of delivery.
- At least 45 days before expiry for certain items.
This ensures consumers receive fresh products and have sufficient time to use them safely.
2. Surprise Audits for Quick Commerce Firms
To monitor compliance, FSSAI has conducted surprise audits at dark stores and warehouses operated by quick commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. These audits revealed multiple hygiene lapses, prompting strict warnings to the companies involved.
3. Licensing and Registration Requirements
FSSAI has reiterated that no food business can operate on any e-commerce platform without:
- A valid FSSAI license or registration.
- Compliance with all food safety standards, including accurate labeling and hygiene practices.
This move ensures that all businesses, whether physical or online, adhere to the same standards.
4. Legal Framework Supporting the Regulations
The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2017 require businesses to display:
- The expiry date or use-by date for all packaged food items.
- The best-before date, indicating the period during which the product retains its quality.
Quick commerce companies have been found violating these rules, leading to consumer complaints and regulatory action. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has also stepped in to address these violations.
5. FSSAI’s Caution Against Misleading Claims
Apart from expiry date compliance, FSSAI has warned companies against making unsupported or misleading claims about products online. All claims must:
- Align with the details on product labels.
- Comply with FSSAI’s labeling and display regulations.
Failure to do so could result in legal action and damage to the company’s reputation.
Impact on Quick Commerce Companies
Increased Compliance Costs
Companies will need to invest in:
- Updating inventory management systems.
- Training staff to ensure proper labeling.
- Ensuring their supply chains meet the minimum shelf life requirements.
Focus on Hygiene and Safety
With FSSAI conducting surprise audits, quick commerce firms must:
- Maintain high hygiene standards in storage and delivery.
- Separate food and non-food items to prevent contamination.
Stricter Penalties for Non-Compliance
Businesses found violating FSSAI’s regulations may face:
- Monetary penalties.
- Suspension of licenses or registration.
- Loss of consumer trust, impacting brand reputation.
Why Are These Changes Necessary?
Protecting Consumer Rights
Clear labeling of expiry dates allows consumers to make informed decisions and reduces the risk of consuming expired or unsafe food items.
Building Trust in Quick Commerce
As online platforms gain popularity, transparency in operations is critical. Ensuring accurate information on product labels fosters trust and loyalty among customers.
Ensuring Uniform Standards
These regulations bring parity between physical and online retailers, ensuring all businesses adhere to the same food safety standards.
FAQs
1. What is the minimum shelf life required for packaged food items as per FSSAI?
FSSAI mandates that packaged food items must have a minimum shelf life of 30% or at least 45 days before expiry at the time of delivery.
2. What happens if a company does not comply with FSSAI’s regulations?
Non-compliance can result in monetary penalties, suspension of licenses, and reputational damage.
3. How can consumers report violations by quick commerce companies?
Consumers can file complaints through the national consumer helpline or directly report to FSSAI.
4. Why is expiry date disclosure important?
It ensures that consumers receive fresh products and reduces the risk of consuming expired or unsafe items.
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