FSSAI: 'Strict action will be taken on violation of rules', food regulator warns e-commerce companies

FSSAI on Tuesday issued a warning to e-commerce firms that if they do not adhere to food safety standards, they would be dealt with strictly. The CEO of the food regulator, G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, convened a meeting of representatives of over 70 leading e-commerce websites. The meeting laid stress on food safety and hygiene across the entire e-commerce food supply chain.

Rao clarified that any violation of food safety protocols will be viewed very seriously, and strict action is possible for this. He directed all e-commerce companies to clearly mention their FSSAI license/registration number on every receipt, invoice, and cash receipt given to customers.

The representatives were asked to display the information of the Food Safety Connect app on all the documents given to their customers. E-commerce companies were also directed to register the details of all warehouses and storage facilities related to their operations on the FSSAI system FOSCOS portal. The possibility of clearly displaying the 'use by' date of food products on the consumer interface was also discussed. Rao clarified that hygiene and food safety rules will be strictly followed in all warehouses and storage centers.

It will be mandatory for all food-related personnel, including e-commerce staff, to undergo FSSAI FOSTAC (Food Safety Training and Certification) training. Platforms will have to share information about their training plans and timelines with FSSAI.

The regulator has urged all platforms to strictly follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulations applicable under the FSS Act. Also, all warehouses must be registered or licensed with FSSAI.