FSSAI has received a series of complaints which are related to the sub-standard food being supplied by food businesses listed on e-Commerce food service platforms, FSSAI has directed 10 e-commerce platforms to prohibit the non-FSSAI licensed/registered food operators and ensure compliance of food safety rules and regulations.
The current list of e-commerce platforms asked to debar unlicensed FBOs are Box8, Faasos, FoodCloud, Foodmingo, Foodpanda, JusFood, LimeTray, Swiggy, UberEats and Zomato.
In February 2018, the FSSAI operationalized guidelines for e-Commerce Food Business Operators which made it mandatory to
- display FSSAI license number of the listed FBOs on e-Commerce platforms
- have an agreement between the e-Commerce platforms and FBOs to comply with the FSS Act, Rules and Regulations
Despite the operational guidelines, the FSSAI has noted with serious concern that the compliance to these guidelines has been somewhat patchy. There have also been complaints that some restaurants/hotels that did not have an FSSAI license had also been listed and allowed to offer/sell food products on some e-commerce food service platforms. There were also several complaints of sub-standard food being delivered to consumers through online market aggregators.
The Apex Food Authority has therefore directed the e-Commerce food service platforms to
- initiate immediate action to delist the defaulting food businesses
- submit an action taken report along with details of FBOs listed on their platforms by 31st July 2018
- furnish FSSAI License and the agreement signed with the FBOs on their list
- carry out internal checks to ensure that FBOs listed on their platform hold valid FSSAI Licenses
For consumers these are welcome steps being taken by the FSSAI as they aim to increase food safety for all those consumers using online food platforms. The FSSAI is also making all efforts to ensure compliance at the earliest to put the new legal framework in place.
About Food Safety Risk of Food Delivery Platforms
Food delivery platforms may have become popular with consumers today but the platforms also pose a food safety risk if they deliver foods from unlicensed FBOs. In case the food delivered by food delivery platforms is contaminated, or causes foodborne illness or even food poisoning, then who will be responsible? Will the delivery platform be responsible, the restaurant/ hotel from where the food was ordered or the transporter who delivered the food?
Certain food delivery platforms have clarified in their terms and conditions that in any violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and applicable rules and regulations made thereunder shall solely rest with the sellers/brand owners, vendors, restaurant, importers or manufacturers of the food products or any pre-packaged goods accordingly. On the other hand, some online food delivery platforms have failed to indicate whether foods from restaurants/ hotels delivered by them, are properly licensed and approved. These e-commerce platforms need to immediately carry out an audit of the listed restaurants on their platform, to ensure they are in compliance with food regulations so as to ensure food safety. The e-commerce platforms have to just follow the FSSAI guidelines issued for e-commerce platforms and adhere to them strictly so there is no food safety risk and consumers can be assured of safe quality food.
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