What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently mandated that all food items sold online must have a minimum remaining shelf life of 30% or 45 days upon delivery. This decision addresses growing concerns about the quality and safety of food products delivered through e-commerce platforms, ensuring that consumers receive fresh and safe products.
The rise of e-commerce has revolutionized how we shop for food, offering convenience and a wide variety of choices at our fingertips. However, this convenience has come with its own set of challenges, particularly regarding the freshness and safety of perishable items. There have been numerous complaints from consumers about receiving food items with negligible shelf life, which not only affects the quality of the product but also poses health risks.
The FSSAI’s new mandate is a significant step towards addressing these concerns. By requiring a minimum shelf life of 30% or 45 days before expiry at the time of delivery, the FSSAI aims to ensure that consumers receive products that are not only safe to consume but also of good quality. For instance, if a packet of butter has a shelf life of 10 days, it should have at least three days of shelf life remaining when delivered to the customer. Similarly, for items with longer shelf lives, such as three or six months, a minimum of 45 days of shelf life should be ensured at delivery time.
This move is expected to positively impact consumer trust and satisfaction. Knowing that the food items they order online will have a reasonable shelf life will encourage more people to use e-commerce platforms for their grocery needs. It also places a responsibility on e-commerce food business operators (FBOs) to adopt better practices and ensure compliance with the new regulations.
The FSSAI has also emphasized the importance of accurate product claims and regulatory compliance. E-commerce FBOs are required to align their product claims with the information provided on the product labels and adhere to the FSSAI’s Labelling and Display Regulations. This measure is crucial in preventing misleading information and protecting consumers’ right to accurate product details.
Moreover, the FSSAI has highlighted the need for proper training programs for delivery personnel to ensure safe food handling and hygiene protocols. This is an essential step in maintaining the integrity of the food supply chain and preventing contamination during delivery. The separation of food and non-food items during delivery is another important aspect that the FSSAI has stressed to avoid potential contamination.
