The New Shelf-Life Rule
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clarified its stance on the freshness of products sold via e-commerce platforms. In an advisory, the regulator mandated that food products must have a significant portion of their shelf life
remaining upon delivery. Specifically, items must have at least 30% of their shelf life left or a minimum of 45 days before their expiry date when they reach the consumer. This rule applies to packaged goods and is designed to tackle a growing number of complaints about receiving products that are at or near their expiration date, giving consumers confidence that what they buy online is fresh and safe to consume.
Why This Check Is Crucial
The advisory addresses a critical gap between online and offline shopping. In a physical store, you can pick up a product and check the 'manufacturing' and 'best before' dates yourself. Online, this has been a blind spot. Recent surveys highlighted that nearly half of all consumers struggled to find this information on quick-commerce and e-commerce apps before making a purchase. This has led to numerous instances of customers receiving items like bread or dairy with only a day or two of usability left. The FSSAI's directive puts the responsibility on platforms like Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, and Zepto to ensure the products they deliver are not just fast, but also fresh.
Your New Pre-Acceptance Checklist
While the FSSAI has directed the platforms, it also empowers you, the consumer. The first step is to check for the 'best before' or 'expiry date' on the app before you even place the order. Though not universally implemented by all platforms, regulations under the Legal Metrology Rules technically require this information to be displayed. When your order arrives, take a moment before the delivery person leaves. Physically inspect the packaged items. Check the 'date of manufacture' and 'expiry date' on the label. Does it meet the '30% shelf life or 45 days' rule? Does the date on the package match what was advertised, if available? This quick verification is your first line of defense.
Whose Responsibility Is It?
The FSSAI has made it clear that the e-commerce platforms, referred to as Food Business Operators (FBOs), are accountable. They are responsible for ensuring their sellers comply with all FSSAI guidelines, including accurate labelling and shelf-life requirements. Platforms are also urged to display the FSSAI license numbers of their sellers to enhance transparency and trust. This means the entire supply chain, from the warehouse to the trained delivery personnel, is expected to adhere to these food safety standards, preventing cross-contamination and ensuring products are handled correctly.
What to Do If a Product Fails the Check
If you receive a product that is expired, near-expiry, or seems spoiled, you have the right to refuse it. Most platforms have a grievance redressal mechanism. Immediately raise a complaint through the app, providing photos of the product and its expiry label as evidence. Under the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, platforms must have a Grievance Officer and are obligated to address complaints. For more serious or persistent issues, you can file a formal complaint directly with the FSSAI through its 'Food Safety Connect' mobile app or portal, helping the authority track and act against non-compliant businesses.
