The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated penal action against several major e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms, including
Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket, Flipkart India and Zepto, over various alleged non-compliances with food safety regulations. The action comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny of online food delivery and grocery platforms over issues related to food safety, licensing, product handling and compliance. The development adds to a series of enforcement actions against the sector, with state food safety authorities also stepping up inspections of dark stores and warehouses. In the cases highlighted by FSSAI, a key case relates to Happilo Premium Date Bites – Zesty Orange. The food regulator found certain claims and product information to be misleading and not in compliance with applicable regulations. Action has been initiated against Amazon Seller Services Pvt. Ltd., Flipkart India Pvt. Ltd., Swiggy Instamart Pvt. Ltd., Zepto Marketplace Pvt. Ltd. and BigBasket's Innovative Retail Concepts Pvt. Ltd. Further, FSSAI found certain information and claims relating to Milky Mist products to be misleading and non-compliant. The products involved include Fresh Low Fat Cream, Farm Fresh Curd and Greek Yoghurt. Action in these cases has been initiated against Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket. FSSAI has also taken action over the online sale, display and offering for sale of Datura (datura) fruits and seeds. The regulator has cited alleged violations of provisions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 relating to the sale of Datura through e-commerce platforms. Amazon Seller Services, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket are among the platforms facing action in this matter. This is an issue that Times Now Digital's "E-Comms Hiding Health Info" campaign has been highlighting and reporting. Whether it is consumer complaints, what health experts and legal experts believe or the measures the FSSAI has taken so far. The campaign has highlighted how India's quick commerce and e-commerce boom cannot undermine consumers' right to information and how consumer awareness and transparency is critical going forward.
