Home > Operational guidelines for E-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs)

The provided sources outline the regulatory framework and operational guidelines for E-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India, established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Key points from the documents include:

Scope and Definitions:

• E-commerce FBOs include entities that carry out food business activities through a digital and electronic network.
• They are categorized into two primary models: the marketplace-based model, where the platform acts as a facilitator between buyers and sellers, and the inventory-based model, where the entity owns and sells food products directly to customers.
• The definition covers a wide range of activities, including listing services, storage, distribution, and last-mile delivery transportation.

Licensing and Registration:

• All e-commerce FBOs must obtain a license from the Central Licensing Authority for their entire supply chain, including head offices and storage facilities.
• Entities providing only listing or directory services are not required to obtain a license, provided they do not fall under the definition of a “food business” under the Act; however, they must still ensure they do not display misleading information.

Information Display Requirements:

• Mandatory Labeling: For pre-packed food, a clear image of the “principal display panel” must be visible on the platform, excluding batch numbers, expiry dates, and MRP.
• Nutritional Disclosure: Food service establishments with a central license or more than 10 locations must display caloric values (kcal per serving) and nutritional/allergen information on digital platforms.
• Seller Transparency: The FSSAI license or registration of the seller/manufacturer must be displayed on the e-commerce platform.
• Claims: E-commerce platforms are cautioned against making unsupported or misleading claims online.

Food Safety and Quality Standards:

• Shelf Life: Delivered food must have a minimum remaining shelf life of 30% or 45 days at the time of delivery to the consumer.
• Hygiene Practices: FBOs must comply with basic hygiene and sanitary practices (Schedule 4), which include maintaining potable water supplies, proper waste disposal, and pest control.
• Contamination Prevention: Food and non-food items should be delivered separately to avoid potential contamination.
• Last-Mile Delivery: E-commerce FBOs must ensure that delivery personnel are trained in food safety and hygiene protocols.

Compliance and Consumer Redressal:

• Recall Responsibility: Platforms must immediately delist any products that do not comply with FSSAI regulations.
• Complaints: E-commerce FBOs must have a consumer complaint cell to handle issues regarding product efficacy and quality, coordinating with manufacturers for resolution.
• Sampling: Food products offered for sale on these platforms are liable for sampling at any point in the supply chain.

Download, Read & Share:

• Compliance obligations of E-commerce FBOs in the context of Open Network for Digital Commerce model

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