FSSAI Tightens Monitoring of E-Commerce Food Facilities

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed states to enhance their monitoring of warehouses and other facilities used by e-commerce platforms. It has also asked states to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for these facilities and the delivery staff. On Thursday, FSSAI held its 45th Central Advisory Committee meeting, where food safety commissioners from all states and Union Territories (UTs) attended.

Emphasis on Warehouse Surveillance and SOP Development

FSSAI CEO Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao urged food commissioners to increase their monitoring of warehouses and other facilities used by e-commerce platforms. He also instructed them to establish SOPs for these warehouses and create guidelines for delivery staff. Additionally, he requested that states intensify the collection of “surveillance samples” and utilize Food Safety on Wheels mobile vans to improve monitoring of these facilities. Concerns have surfaced about violations of food safety regulations in e-commerce and quick-commerce facilities. In response, FSSAI will meet with representatives from rapid-commerce platforms next week.

Focus on Tourist Destinations as Peak Season Nears

Meanwhile, FSSAI has asked states and UTs to increase monitoring at popular tourist destinations to ensure compliance with safety standards, especially with the peak tourist season approaching from November to March. The committee has also called on states to step up the training of Food Business Operators (FBOs) across all states and UTs through the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program. FSSAI aims to train 25 lakh food handlers by March 2026, including individuals working in university, college, and hostel cafeterias.

Addressing Food Safety Concerns in Rapid-Commerce

FSSAI officials stressed the need for an “integrated food safety approach” and urged all relevant ministries and stakeholders to collaborate. They also recommended that states and UTs hold regular Advisory Committee meetings at both the state and district levels. The meeting underscored the importance of involving consumers in promoting a culture of healthier eating as part of the “Eat Right India” initiative. States were encouraged to increase food safety awareness through outreach programs, including fairs, walkathons, and street performances (Nukkad Nataks). More than 60 officials participated in the meeting, including Commissioners of Food Safety (CFS), delegates from states and UTs, senior FSSAI officials, and representatives from the food industry, consumer organizations, agriculture, laboratories, and research institutions.

Source: The Economic Times