The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Wednesday initiated penal proceedings against five major e-commerce platforms over alleged violations of food safety regulations, including misleading product claims and the sale or display of prohibited food articles.
The regulator said action has been initiated against Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket, Flipkart India and Zepto following findings of various regulatory non-compliances on their platforms.
FSSAI said the action includes cases involving misbranding and misleading claims associated with food products. All five platforms were flagged over claims linked to Happilo Premium Date Bites – Zesty Orange.
Separate proceedings have also been initiated against Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket over allegedly misleading claims and non-compliant product information concerning certain Milky Mist dairy products. The products identified by the regulator include Milky Mist Fresh Low Fat Cream, Milky Mist Farm Fresh Curd and Milky Mist Greek Yoghurt.
In another matter, Amazon Seller Services, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket were found to be non-compliant with provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 concerning the sale, display and offering for sale of Datura (Dhatura) fruits and seeds through e-commerce platforms.
FSSAI said it has intensified enforcement against food business operators and online food businesses over the past six months. The regulator has also been using social media platforms to inform consumers about enforcement measures and regulatory violations.
