All Online Food Businesses to be registered under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

by Jeeny Cruz Content Writer

All online businesses dealing in food items or running a food trade will now have to get themselves registered with the Indian food regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The regulatory authority has directed online food sellers to register under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The FSSAI Chairman said that as the online companies are selling food items or dealing in one or another form of food business at their platforms and as food and food businesses come under the domain of FSSAI, therefore, they have got to register if they want to continue their business operations. This would also let FSSAI Food Safety Officers (FSO) to do regular checks on the safety of the food items that the entity deal with or stock in their warehouses along with taking action in the cases of complaints. The regulatory body has moreover asked e-commerce companies to show all information regarding food items on their portals clearly. This would consist of names as well as addresses of sellers, their license numbers, nutrition and ingredient information, food safety information and cost constraints. This would make sure that the customers are completely aware of what they are purchasing.

Devoid of a registration, it would be 'unlawful' for such companies to deal in food products or food buying and selling. As of now, there is no fine for the non FSSAI compliance of the same; however a suitable action according to the food safety and standards law could be explored for breaking of the law.

Startups in food businesses, delivery players as well as online giants are required to register with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. According to the CEO, FSSAI, this move will be in the interest of the e-commerce players. "By following the rules of the Food Safety Act, the e-commerce players can make sure the quality of food products or even services to their consumers which will help these businesses as well", he said. He added that their dealings are electronic nevertheless if they want to sell food products or deal in the food business, in that case that will fall under field of the FSSAI. The regulatory body does not agree with the fact that the e-commerce companies are just technology facilitators. The food regulator wants e-commerce businesses to come under its purview just like state governments want them to take accountability for the Value Added Tax payments.

FSSAI planned to segregate the online companies into 2 categories, one where the online markets were being asked to get the license, whereas the 2nd category is being formed to address online food delivery companies which are being advised to simplify business of FBOs who are FSSAI registered as well as licensed. FSSAI Chairman moreover stated that the purpose of the move is to offer uniform safety to consumers on both online as well as offline channels. He said that such companies by now come under the Food Safety Act and, hence, should follow the provisions immediately.

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