The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a series of training programs to strengthen food safety compliance in India’s rapidly expanding e-commerce food sector. A major highlight of this initiative is training last-mile delivery personnel to maintain hygiene and safe food handling practices, reducing risks of contamination and foodborne illnesses.
Why This Matters?
As online food delivery
continues to grow, ensuring compliance with food safety standards has become a
priority. An official memo from FSSAI has emphasized strict adherence to
regulations for all e-commerce food business operators (FBOs). “With the increasing
role of e-commerce in the food sector, ensuring compliance is vital to
maintaining consumer trust,” stated FSSAI Director Rakesh Kumar.
India’s food industry faces
challenges in compliance, awareness, and resource management, particularly
among small and medium enterprises. To address this, FSSAI has made the Food
Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program mandatory for all food
handlers involved in preparation, storage, and transportation.
Key Components of FoSTaC Training:
- Regular water and medical testing to maintain hygiene standards.
- Temperature control measures to ensure food safety during transit.
- Proper handling of raw materials to prevent cross-contamination.
- Accurate food labeling to reduce allergen risks and provide transparency.
To ensure compliance, FSSAI will
conduct regular audits and testing, minimizing safety breaches and
regulatory violations.
Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance
FSSAI National Resource Person,
Bhadri, emphasized that compliance is not just a legal requirement but a key
factor in building consumer trust. Failure to adhere to food safety norms
can lead to penalties of up to ₹10 lakh (USD 11,643) or even imprisonment.
Data suggests that 60% of food businesses in India face regulatory action
due to non-compliance each year.
New Compliance Rules for E-Commerce Food Businesses
To enhance transparency, FSSAI
has introduced additional regulatory measures for e-commerce food businesses,
including:
Mandatory FSSAI License Display – All online food sellers must display a valid 14-digit FSSAI license
or registration number on product labels and invoices.
Minimum Shelf Life Requirement – Products must have at least 30%
shelf life or 45 days before expiry at the time of delivery.
Truthful Product Claims – Online
product descriptions must align with physical packaging to prevent misleading
consumers.
Non-compliance can result in legal
action, penalties, and a loss of consumer trust, significantly impacting
business credibility.
Raising Industry Standards & Consumer Confidence
FSSAI’s initiatives are aimed at
improving transparency and strengthening India’s food safety ecosystem. “By
adopting accurate labeling and stringent safety measures, businesses can boost
consumer confidence while aligning with global food safety standards,” said
Bhadri.
As e-commerce food services
continue to expand, these proactive regulations will enhance
professionalism, reliability, and trust in the industry. With FSSAI’s
continuous efforts, food safety in India’s digital economy is set to reach new
heights.
Stay updated on FSSAI regulations and
ensure your food business stays compliant!