FSSAI Issues Guidelines For Ecommerce Food Operators; Makes License Mandatory

Food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated an FSSAI license for ecommerce food business operators (FBOs) to run a business, as per recent guidelines.

A notification issued last week stated, “Ecommerce FBOs have to obtain a licence from the central licensing authority for the entire supply chain. i.e. – “head office/registered office, manufacturers, transportation, storage, distribution, etc.”

It also said that last-mile delivery should be undertaken by trained delivery personnel so that the safety of food product is not compromised at the time of delivery.

The order – (Guidelines For Operations Of Ecommerce Food Business Operators) – also states that entities that are are providing listing/directory services may not be required to obtain a license/registration under the Act. Although they should ensure that no misleading information/false claims pertaining to the sellers/brand owners, vendors, importers or manufacturers or any false images are available on their platform.

The notification stated that the ecommerce FBOs will have to sign an agreement with the sellers/brand owners/manufacturers “averring that the said sellers/brand owners/manufacturers are compliant with the FSSA Act and rules and regulations.”

They also mentioned that the entities will have to immediately notify any consumer complaints to the sellers/brand owners/importers/manufacturers who would be liable for expeditious resolution.

Prior to this in March 2016, it launched a mobile app to allow consumers to raise concerns related to food safety. The app provides food safety tips and food safety laws as prescribed by the regulator through its regulations.

(This development was reported by indiaretailing.)