The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has requested a meeting with quick-commerce platforms such as Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto on Tuesday to address concerns related to violations of food safety standards, as per sources familiar with the situation.
This occurs amid concerns regarding violations of food safety standards by QCOM platforms for packaged food items, particularly those related to expiration and best-before dates.
An industry source stated that the issue lies in the fact that certain players are not upholding the minimum shelf life of their products. Last week, the FSSAI convened a Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting to address food safety concerns related to e-commerce platforms. The organization has instructed states to enhance monitoring of warehouses and facilities associated with these platforms.
Business Standard has obtained a copy of the letter that was sent to Qualcomm companies regarding the matter.
In October, Local Circles, an independent community platform, sent a letter to the FSSAI requesting an investigation into potential violations of the Food Safety and Standards Amendment Regulations 2020 by specific online platforms. The organization claimed that these platforms had been listing and delivering products with less than 30 percent of their shelf life. Over the past year, a growing number of consumers have consistently reported to Local Circles about certain online platforms providing products with short shelf lives.
For instance, a loaf of bread that usually has a shelf life of 5–7 days was delivered with only one day remaining, the letter stated.
According to a related survey conducted with more than 12,000 participants across India, 57 percent of consumers reported that most online platforms do not display the best before-dates for packaged products intended for human consumption. “We have communicated this to the Secretary of Consumer Affairs and have been informed that the Department of Legal Metrology is currently investigating these violations,” it stated.
It urged the FSSAI to investigate breaches of the Food Safety and Standards Amendment Regulations 2020 by online platforms. The request specified that only products with a minimum of 30 percent shelf life remaining or at least 45 days left should be listed for sale and delivery.
The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) has brought up additional concerns with various ministries regarding challenges they are encountering with qcom companies. Last month, AICPDF sent two letters, one addressed to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the other to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
It called for an investigation into the use of private vehicles by Qualcomm and e-commerce companies for their commercial activities. Additionally, it urged these firms to adhere to food regulatory standards during product deliveries.
Date: Saturday, 16th Nov 2024 Time: 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
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