Key Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set September 30, 2026, as the deadline for quick-commerce platforms to display food labels and expiry details for products sold online.

FSSAI Tightens Online Food Checks

Speaking to the media, FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani said the regulator plans to step up enforcement across e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms. He said FSSAI will not allow platforms to sell unsafe or expired food products to consumers.

Check the Label Before You Buy

Under the new requirement, platforms must clearly display package and expiry details before consumers complete a purchase. This will allow shoppers to check important product information before ordering. Punhani said FSSAI will subject online food sales to the same scrutiny as physical retail stores, strengthening oversight across the digital food marketplace.

Platforms Must Take Responsibility

FSSAI has identified food labelling as a growing food-safety concern, as increasing consumer awareness brings greater scrutiny to food products. Punhani stressed that companies must ensure their labels accurately reflect the true nature and composition of their products. He also said e-commerce platforms cannot simply describe themselves as aggregators when they list and sell food products. FSSAI expects these platforms to take responsibility for the food products they offer to consumers.

FSSAI Steps Up Enforcement

In recent months, FSSAI has intensified scrutiny of food and beverage companies and issued more than 150 notices over misleading advertisements, false claims and labelling non-compliance, according to the regulator. Over the past year, FSSAI recorded around 33,000 prosecutions and imposed penalties exceeding ₹1 crore.

Stronger Action Ahead

Responding to criticism that some penalties may be too low, Punhani said even a small fine can have a significant impact on a brand. He added that the scale of prosecutions reflects FSSAI’s efforts to strengthen its food-safety enforcement mechanism. With the September 30 deadline approaching, quick-commerce platforms will need to ensure that consumers can access essential food-label and expiry information before purchasing products online.

Source: NDTV Profit