The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a crackdown on five major e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms over alleged food safety and regulatory violations, including misleading product claims and the sale or display of prohibited food articles.

The action covers Amazon, Flipkart India, Swiggy Instamart, Zepto and BigBasket, with FSSAI citing various non-compliances under food safety regulations.

The regulator said the violations include misbranding and misleading claims, along with the sale, display and offer for sale of prohibited or poisonous food articles on e-commerce platforms.

Why has FSSAI acted against these platforms?

One of the cases involves Happilo Premium Date Bites - Zesty Orange. FSSAI has initiated penal action against all five platforms over what it described as misleading claims associated with the food product.

FSSAI has also initiated action against Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket over misleading claims and non-compliant product information concerning certain Milky Mist dairy products.

The products named by the regulator are:

  • Milky Mist Fresh Low Fat Cream
  • Milky Mist Farm Fresh Curd
  • Milky Mist Greek Yoghurt

Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket flagged over dhatura listings

Another issue highlighted by FSSAI concerns the online sale and display of Datura (Dhatura) fruits/seeds, which the regulator identified as a prohibited or poisonous food article.

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Amazon Seller Services, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket were found non-compliant with applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 relating to the sale, display and offer for sale of food products through e-commerce platforms.

FSSAI said penal action has been initiated in connection with these violations.

No immediate response from platforms

Queries sent by email to Amazon, Flipkart India, Swiggy Instamart, Zepto and BigBasket did not receive an immediate response.

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The latest action comes as FSSAI has stepped up enforcement against food business operators and e-commerce companies over the past six months. The regulator has also been using social media to inform consumers about enforcement actions.

With PTI inputs