FSSAI Warns Ecommerce Platforms Over Food Safety Violations: 'Follow Norms or Face Action'

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has warned ecommerce platforms of food safety violations that took place in the past few months. The watchdog asserted that there would be no compromise with food safety norms.

During a meeting with over 70 representatives from ecommerce platforms this week, FSSAI chief Kamala Vardhana Rao highlighted the need for strict adherence to food safety norms amid the sector’s rapid growth. He cautioned that non-compliance may lead to severe action.

He directed the ecommerce platforms to display their FSSAI license or registration numbers on every receipt, invoice, and cash memo issued to customers. In addition, the companies also need to present information regarding the Food Safety Connect app on all consumer-facing documents.

The app enables users to raise complaints, verify the authenticity of food business licenses or registrations, stay informed about their consumer rights, and access educational content like articles and videos on food safety.

Dark Stores Under Fire

This came after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra had suspended the food licence of the quick commerce platform Blinkit in Pune’s Balewadi region for failing to comply with regulations. It found that the facility lacked a licence from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to manufacture, distribute, or sell food.

A similar investigation was conducted at the Dharavi location of the quick commerce platform Zepto, and its food‑business licence was suspended after violations of food‑safety requirements were identified.

The infractions included fungal growth on food articles, food storage near stagnant water, failure to maintain cold‑storage temperature and expired food items mixed with the main stock.

The FDA’s action is part of a broader crackdown on unsafe food‑storage practices across the state. Earlier this month, it suspended the food‑business licence of Zepto’s parent company, Kiranakart Technologies, due to violations found at its dark store in Mumbai’s Dharavi.