The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strict warning to all e-commerce platforms to comply with food safety and hygiene regulations or face stringent action. The warning came during a meeting chaired by FSSAI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) G Kamala Vardhana Rao, attended by more than 70 representatives from major e-commerce companies. The meeting focused on strengthening food safety practices across the growing e-commerce food supply chain.
Food Safety a Top Priority
Highlighting the rapid expansion of online food sales, the CEO stressed that food safety remains of paramount importance. He warned that any failure to comply with food safety protocols would be taken very seriously and could result in severe action. He further emphasised that every stakeholder in the food supply chain—from manufacturers to delivery personnel shares responsibility for ensuring food safety and protecting consumer health.
Clear Directives for E-commerce Platforms
During the meeting, the FSSAI issued several key directives aimed at improving transparency and compliance across the e-commerce food sector. E-commerce platforms were instructed to prominently display their FSSAI License or Registration numbers on every receipt, invoice, and cash memo provided to consumers. They were also directed to include details about the Food Safety Connect App on all consumer-facing documents, making it easier for consumers to report food safety concerns. Furthermore, all e-commerce entities must upload comprehensive information about their warehouses and storage facilities associated with their operations to the FoSCoS portal. The meeting also discussed the potential of displaying the “Date of Expiry/Use By” for food products directly on the consumer interface to help customers make more informed purchasing decisions.
Focus on Hygiene and Training
The FSSAI CEO instructed platforms to strictly maintain hygiene standards across all warehouses and storage units. Regular photographs of these facilities must be uploaded to the FoSCoS portal to ensure compliance. Further, it is mandatory for all food handlers involved in e-commerce operations, including delivery personnel, to undergo the FSSAI’s FoSTaC (Food Safety Training & Certification) training in hygiene protocols. Platforms must also share detailed training plans and timelines with the FSSAI.
Date: 5 August, 2025 (Mumbai)
Time: 10 AM to 5 PM
Fee: Rs. 2360
Data Sharing and Mandatory Registration
The FSSAI reiterated that all warehouses associated with e-commerce food supply chains must be duly registered or licensed under the FSS Act. E-commerce companies must also provide updated data about their warehouses, food handlers, and related operations to the FSSAI. Additionally, platforms are required to follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regulations specified under the FSS Act to maintain the highest food safety standards.
Collective Responsibility for Consumer Safety
In an official statement, the FSSAI highlighted that food safety is a collective responsibility and called for greater collaboration across the supply chain. The FSSAI reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring that consumers receive safe and healthy food products, regardless of whether their purchases are made through traditional retail outlets or modern e-commerce platforms, the statement said. The statement concluded that this meeting reflects FSSAI’s proactive approach to regulating the fast-evolving food delivery ecosystem, ensuring that e-commerce platforms prioritise food safety and consumer trust.
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