45-day shelf life required for food deliveries: FSSAI to online platforms
PTC News Desk: In response to mounting consumer complaints, food regulator FSSAI asked e-commerce platforms selling food items on their platforms to ensure a minimum shelf life of 30%, or 45 days before expiry, at the time of customer delivery.
According to an official statement, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) held a meeting with e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) to stress compliance standards for e-commerce FBOs.
"The (FSSAI) CEO asked the e-commerce FBOs to adopt practices to ensure minimum shelf life of 30% or 45 days before expiry at the time of delivery to the consumer," according to a statement.
Mr Rao, who chaired the conference, highlighted that any product claims made on e-commerce platforms must be consistent with the information supplied on the product labels and adhere to the FSSAI's Labelling and Display Regulations.
He also warned the FBOs against making unsupported claims online.
"This would prevent misleading information and protect consumers' right to accurate product details," according to the regulator.
Mr Rao emphasised the importance of online platforms in preserving consumer health and increasing transparency. He reiterated the requirement that no FBO operate on any e-commerce platform without a valid FSSAI licence or registration, underlining the essential importance of regulatory compliance.
To ensure safe food handling at all levels, he directed FBOs to adopt comprehensive delivery personnel training programs, providing them with critical food safety and hygiene regulations.
- PTC NEWS
