Significant Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a key order on 18 March 2026 outlining compliance obligations for e-commerce Food Business Operators under the ONDC model. This update introduces clear accountability across multiple entities in a single transaction, making it essential for businesses to understand their roles.

What is ONDC in Food E-Commerce

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), launched by DPIIT, follows a decentralised model where:

• Buyer Apps handle customer interaction
• Seller Apps manage product listings and compliance

Responsibility is shared across participants.

Why This Notification Matters

FSSAI aligned regulations with ONDC’s multi-entity structure, clearly defining responsibilities. The rules take effect from 1 April 2026, with FoSCoS updated to improve traceability across Buyer and Seller Apps.

Who Needs an FSSAI License

• All e-commerce food businesses must hold a valid FSSAI license
• Platforms facilitating food sales must obtain a Central License

Key Compliance Responsibilities

Seller Apps must:

• Provide valid FSSAI license details
• Ensure accurate product information
• Upload label images (principal display panel)
• Share shelf life at the time of order
• Avoid misleading claims
• Remove non-compliant products
• Include license details in invoices

Buyer Apps must:

• Display all product information
• Prevent listing of expired products
• Show shelf life clearly
• Provide digital invoices
• Display seller license details
• Enable complaint registration and tracking

Product Information & Shelf Life

Seller Apps must provide clear label details; Buyer Apps must display them before purchase. Food must have:

• At least 30% shelf life remaining, or
• 45 days before expiry

Fresh food must be delivered safely.

Mandatory Consumer Information: Consumers must see nutritional details, allergen info, and veg/non-veg declaration before purchase—provided by Seller Apps and displayed by Buyer Apps.

Last-Mile Delivery Responsibility: The delivery entity must ensure trained personnel, safe handling, and product quality—whether Seller App, Buyer App, or partner.

Misleading Claims & Non-Compliance: Seller Apps must avoid false claims and remove non-compliant products. Buyer Apps must flag violations.

Grievance Redressal

• Seller Apps handle product-related issues
• Buyer Apps enable complaint registration, tracking, and forwarding

Traceability via FoSCoS: FoSCoS now captures Buyer and Seller App data, improving traceability, accountability, and regulatory monitoring.

Impact on Food Businesses: Businesses must define roles, maintain accurate data, ensure compliance at every stage, and align with traceability systems. Non-compliance may lead to legal action.

Conclusion

The FSSAI ONDC framework brings clarity, accountability, and stronger food safety controls to digital commerce. Businesses must adapt quickly—because compliance is now critical.

Source: Food Safety Works