FSSAI initiates penal action against major e-commerce platforms

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated penal action against several major e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket, Flipkart India, and Zepto. The crackdown follows findings of regulatory non-compliance, such as misbranding, misleading claims, and the sale or display of prohibited or poisonous food items.

Specific violations include misleading claims regarding 'Happilo Premium Date Bites - Zesty Orange' and non-compliant information for certain Milky Mist dairy products on Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket. Additionally, Amazon, Swiggy, and BigBasket were cited for issues related to the sale of Datura fruits and seeds.

In a related effort to improve food standards, the Karnataka government has announced plans to expand food-safety awareness to street-food vendors. Health Minister U T Khader stated that the initiative will focus on hygiene, safe ingredient handling, and cleanliness. The state also plans to host a national-level conclave for food safety officials in October to strengthen the country’s broader food-safety framework.