FSSAI Cracks Down on E-Commerce Giants: Comply with Food Safety Rules or Face Strict Action

PuneNow, July 09, 2025: In a decisive move to ensure food safety across India’s booming e-commerce sector, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued stringent directives to all online platforms, warning of severe consequences for non-compliance. The regulatory body has mandated strict hygiene protocols, mandatory training for food handlers, and greater transparency in storage and delivery operations.

FSSAI’s Strict Directives for E-Commerce Platforms

During a high-level meeting held at the FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi, CEO FSSAI addressed over 70 representatives from leading e-commerce platforms, emphasizing that food safety is non-negotiable. The meeting focused on strengthening hygiene practices across the entire food supply chain, from warehouses to last-mile delivery.

Key Directives Issued by FSSAI

1. Display FSSAI License Numbers – All e-commerce platforms must prominently showcase their FSSAI License/Registration numbers on every receipt, invoice, and cash memo provided to consumers.
2. Promote Food Safety Connect App – Platforms must display information about the Food Safety Connect App on all consumer-facing documents to enhance awareness.
3. Disclose Warehouse Details – E-commerce companies must upload comprehensive details of all warehouses and storage facilities linked to their operations on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal.
4. Expiry Date Visibility – The possibility of displaying “Date of Expiry/Use By” for food products at the consumer interface was discussed to prevent expired goods from reaching buyers.
5. Mandatory Hygiene Training – All food handlers, including delivery personnel, must undergo FSSAI’s FOSTaC (Food Safety Training & Certification) to ensure proper hygiene practices.
6. Regular Warehouse Audits – Platforms must upload photographs of their storage facilities periodically on the FoSCoS portal to ensure compliance with safety norms.
7. Strict Adherence to SOPs – Companies must follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under the FSS Act, with warehouses required to be FSSAI-registered/licensed.

Transparency and Accountability in Food Delivery

The FSSAI stressed that food safety is a shared responsibility, involving manufacturers, warehouses, delivery partners, and e-commerce platforms. The regulatory body expects full data sharing on warehouses, food handlers, and training schedules to enhance transparency and compliance.

Why This Move Matters

With the rapid growth of online food and grocery delivery, ensuring safe and hygienic food handling has become critical. The FSSAI’s latest directives aim to safeguard consumer health while holding e-commerce players accountable for lapses in food safety standards.

FSSAI’s Commitment to Consumer Safety

The FSSAI remains committed to ensuring safe and healthy food products, whether purchased through traditional retail or e-commerce platforms. This meeting underscores the regulator’s proactive approach in tightening oversight over India’s evolving food delivery ecosystem.

Non-compliance with these directives could lead to strict penalties, reinforcing FSSAI’s zero-tolerance stance on food safety violations.