Food Safety Compliance for E-Commerce FBOs

Food Safety Compliance for E-Commerce FBOs

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India states that E-commerce food business operators (FBOs) must prioritize compliance with food safety regulations, including safe handling, accurate product claims, proper training for delivery staff, and ensuring adequate shelf life. Displaying FSSAI License/Registration numbers and Hygiene Ratings on platforms promotes transparency and consumer trust, ensuring safe and authentic food products online.

The rise of e-commerce in the food sector necessitates compliance with food safety regulations to ensure the safety, quality, and authenticity of food products sold online. Key compliance requirements for e-commerce food business operators (FBOs) include:

• Training of Delivery Personnel: Ensure that delivery staff are trained in food safety, hygiene practices, safe handling, transportation, and personal hygiene to prevent contamination and cross-contamination.
• Product Claims: All claims made on e-commerce platforms must be consistent with the product's physical label. Unsupported or misleading claims should not be displayed online.
• Shelf Life Compliance: Food products must have at least 30% shelf life or 45 days remaining before expiry at the time of delivery.
• FSSAI License/Registration and Hygiene Ratings: E-commerce platforms must prominently display the FSSAI License/Registration numbers and Hygiene Ratings of sellers to build consumer trust.
• Mandatory FSSAI Display: No food business operator can be listed on an e-commerce platform without displaying their valid FSSAI License or Registration number.

These measures ensure transparency, mitigate risks associated with foodborne illnesses, and foster consumer trust in the e-commerce food sector.