Report

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has raised compliance standards for quick commerce platforms, compelling them to hire certified food safety professionals amid a widening talent shortage. This regulatory push has increased operational costs and challenged firms already striving for profitability.

New Food Safety Mandate Creates Talent Shortage

FSSAI now requires all food handlers in dark stores and warehouses to complete FoSTaC certification. As platforms rush to comply, they struggle to find enough certified personnel, driving up salaries and increasing reliance on contract consultants. The limited talent pool has sparked a 20-30% salary increase for certified supervisors over the past six months. Sachin Alug, CEO of staffing firm NLB Services, explains that the supply of FoSTaC-certified supervisors remains tight despite high demand, and the shortage is expected to worsen during the upcoming festive season, when food operations ramp up. Deepesh Gupta, Director at Adecco India, adds that the gap between supply and demand for certified supervisors is becoming even more acute.

Rising Costs and Expanded Food Safety Teams

Quick commerce platforms are expanding their food safety teams, moving beyond minimal compliance to establish dedicated departments. This growth increases demand across all staffing levels, intensifying the talent shortage and driving up costs. Companies are offering premium pay and acting quickly to attract qualified candidates. The inflationary pressure extends beyond supervisory roles as firms invest more heavily in compliance.

Temporary Solutions and Long-Term Strategies

To address immediate needs, many companies hire contract-based food safety consultants. However, these temporary consultants cannot replace permanent, trained staff responsible for comprehensive compliance. Over-reliance on temporary personnel risks superficial adherence and potential violations, especially in high-risk environments. In response, platforms are investing in long-term strategies by partnering with training providers and developing in-house certification programs to build their FoSTaC-certified workforce.

Enforcement Actions Spur Compliance

Recent government crackdowns have accelerated compliance efforts. Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration shut down Zepto’s Dharavi warehouse over fungal contamination and expired stock. A Blinkit warehouse in Telangana faced similar sanctions for unhygienic conditions and confiscated expired goods. Authorities have also acted in Pune, Bandra, Bhiwandi, and Hyderabad. FSSAI CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao warned over 70 quick commerce and e-commerce firms that violations would lead to strict penalties. Under the new rules, platforms must submit detailed training plans and maintain real-time records of certified personnel in warehouses and storage units.

Overall, these regulations are driving quick commerce companies to restructure operations, invest in workforce development, and uphold higher food safety standards—all while managing escalating costs in a highly competitive market.

Source: Financial Express