Significant Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated penal action against Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket, Flipkart India and Zepto over several food safety and regulatory non-compliances, including misleading claims and the sale or display of prohibited food products.

In a social media post, FSSAI said it had launched a “major crackdown” on e-commerce platforms over violations linked to food products sold through their platforms. The regulator cited misbranding, misleading claims and the sale or display of prohibited or poisonous food articles among the violations.

Action Over Product Claims

FSSAI has taken action against all five platforms over misleading claims related to Happilo Premium Date Bites – Zesty Orange. The regulator has also initiated action against Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket over misleading claims and non-compliant product information concerning three Milky Mist products: Fresh Low Fat Cream, Farm Fresh Curd and Greek Yoghurt.

Datura Products Flagged

FSSAI found Amazon Seller Services, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket non-compliant with provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, concerning the sale, display and offer for sale of Datura (Dhatura) fruits and seeds through e-commerce platforms. The platforms had not immediately responded to email queries seeking comments.

Enforcement Drive Intensifies

FSSAI has intensified enforcement against food business operators and e-commerce companies over the past six months. The regulator has also used social media to keep consumers informed about enforcement actions and food safety concerns. The latest action forms part of the regulator’s wider scrutiny of food products sold online, with particular attention to product claims, labelling and regulatory compliance.

Source: Money Control

The New Indian Express