Stories
FSSAI proposes strict rules for quick commerce platforms like Blinkit and Instamart
- •FSSAI is drafting new rules requiring online platforms to display essential details like manufacturing date, expiry date, and batch number.
- •Accountability is being considered for companies making misleading claims about their food products.
- •Rules may mandate displaying dark kitchen pictures and addresses, along with tighter storage inspections in dark stores.
- •Prosecution cases against e-commerce companies have increased by five to six times over the past year.
- •Scrutiny is also intensifying on supplement makers, hotels, and major brands over labeling and regulatory violations.
Key Questions Answered
Under the proposed rules being drafted by FSSAI, online platforms like Blinkit, Instamart, and Amazon Now may be required to display essential product information in online listings, including the manufacturing date, expiry date, and batch number.
FSSAI is considering making it mandatory for platforms to provide the pictures and addresses of dark kitchens. Additionally, inspections regarding the proper storage conditions in dark stores, with special attention to the storage temperatures of frozen foods, could be significantly tightened.
FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani stated that prosecution cases against e-commerce companies have increased by five to six times over the past year. Between April and September, around 700,000 inspections were conducted, and platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, Flipkart, and Amazon have faced action for violations such as incorrect labeling, valid license discrepancies, and the sale of restricted goods.
