The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched penal proceedings against several prominent e-commerce and quick-commerce companies. Platforms targeted include Amazon, Flipkart India, Swiggy Instamart, Bigbasket, and Zepto, following investigations into alleged food safety violations.
Misleading Claims and Prohibited Products Cited
The FSSAI's action primarily addresses concerns over misbranding and misleading claims associated with food products sold or displayed on these digital marketplaces. Furthermore, the regulator has identified the alleged sale and display of food articles that are either prohibited or deemed poisonous through these online channels.
While the FSSAI confirmed the initiation of these actions, specific details regarding the penalties or fines that could be levied against the companies have not yet been disclosed.
Increased Scrutiny on Food Sector
This move by the FSSAI is part of a broader trend of heightened scrutiny by food safety authorities across India. The increased vigilance follows a surge in public awareness regarding food safety, often fueled by social media posts highlighting unsanitary conditions and other malpractices within the food sector. Previously, companies like Nestle India Ltd. and Dabur India Ltd. have also faced regulatory attention.
Separate Proposal on Analogue Paneer
In a separate but related development, the FSSAI has also proposed new restrictions concerning the production and sale of 'analogue paneer.' This term refers to non-dairy products that are marketed or labelled as paneer or cottage cheese. A draft notification suggests that products currently licensed under this category would be required to cease using the term “paneer” in their labelling and marketing efforts. It's important to note that this proposal is distinct from the penal actions taken against the e-commerce giants.