Food safety regulator FSSAI has become strict regarding the quality of food items sold by e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms in the country. To keep the food items being sent to customers from these platforms within the rules, FSSAI has increased monitoring of the platforms and their stores where companies keep their inventory.

Sources have informed that FSSAI and state food safety officers across the country have sent about 350 improvement notices to e-commerce and quick-commerce companies in the last 3 months. Not only this, FSSAI and State Food Commissioners have conducted about 180 investigations or raids on e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms on allegations of violations. Sources further informed that the highest number of improvement notices were issued in South India, followed by the Northern region in giving notices. On the other hand, regarding raids or inspections, sources informed that such actions were taken the most in North India, followed by the Western region. Improvement notice is a notice issued by an officer when a food business operator does not follow the rules given in Section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006. FSSAI comes under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. FSSAI monitors the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food items, as well as sets standards to ensure food safety. Food business operators include restaurants, food manufacturers, food importers and exporters, e-commerce and quick commerce platforms and others. According to the FSSAI order, the Food Safety Department monitors the market by conducting surprise inspections or raids on food establishments and taking samples of such food items which may be adulterated, substandard or misbranded, etc. Concerns about e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms are also increasing because the reach of these platforms is constantly increasing and customers are highly dependent on these platforms. FSSAI may also discuss the issues of selling expired or near-expiry food items on e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms in the Central Advisory Committee meeting to be held in Delhi on 7 and 8 November, among other issues.