FSSAI mandates 45-day shelf life for Q-commerce operators

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) CEO G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, during a meeting with e-commerce food business operators (FBOs), directed e-commerce and quick-commerce food businesses to ensure a minimum of 30% shelf life, or at least 45 days before product expiration, upon delivery, as stated by the ministry of health and family welfare.

The meeting was joined by over 200 industry stakeholders, including major platforms like Blinkit and Zepto, who were also urged to implement comprehensive training programs for delivery staff on essential food safety and hygiene standards.

The FSSAI CEO also highlighted the importance of delivering food and non-food items separately to consumers to prevent any risk of contamination.

The directive addresses rising concerns over food safety compliance in the digital commerce sector, following recent complaints about the sale of near-expiry products and items lacking clear expiration dates on e-commerce platforms.

The CEO noted that all product claims on e-commerce platforms must accurately reflect the information on product labels and comply with FSSAI’s Labelling and Display Regulations.

The FSSAI reportedly also advised the platforms to conduct regular health screenings for delivery personnel, supporting Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) initiatives. To reduce contamination risks, the regulator also emphasised the need to deliver food and non-food items separately.

“A transparent, compliant, and accountable e-commerce food sector is vital for protecting consumer health and fostering confidence in digital food marketplaces,” the ministry states.

At its 45th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting on November 7, the FSSAI called on states and UTs to intensify surveillance at major tourist hotspots to uphold stricter safety standards ahead of the peak tourist season, running from November to March.

Recently, the FSSAI urged state authorities to step up surveillance in e-commerce warehouses and establish standard operating procedures (SoPs) for delivery personnel, aimed at ensuring the safe delivery of food to consumers.

Last month, warnings were issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to quick-commerce and e-commerce operators for failing to display MRPs and 'best before' dates on perishable goods.

Notices were sent to "three to four" quick-commerce companies for failing to comply with packaged product disclosure requirements under the Legal Metrology Act. The law mandates that both online and offline retailers provide essential product details on packaged goods, such as the maximum retail price (MRP), expiration date, weight, manufacturer information, and consumer complaint contact details.