FSSAI advises e-commerce platforms to have ‘Clarity in Choices’ for food products

Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked all e-commerce food business operators (FBOs) to ensure proper assortment of food products being sold on their websites. FSSAI asked e-commerce platforms to provide clarity on the choices of food products they want to sell on their websites.

FSSAI’s advice to e-commerce platforms

• FSSAI has noted food products licensed under ‘Non-Standardized Food’ along with the nearest category – dairy based beverage mix or cereal based beverage mix or malt based beverage, which is listed under ‘Health Drinks’, ‘Energy Drinks’ category. -Being sold on commerce websites.
• FSSAI clarifies that the term ‘Health Drink’ is not defined or standardized anywhere under the FSS Act 2006 or the rules/regulations made thereunder. Therefore, FSSAI has advised all e-commerce platforms to immediately correct this misclassification by removing or de-linking such beverages from the category of ‘Health Drinks/Energy Drinks’ on their websites and move such products to the appropriate category. As provided under existing law.
• ‘Energy’ drinks are only permitted to be used on products licensed under Food Category System (FCS) 14.1.4.1 and 14.1.4.2 (carbonated and non-carbonated water-based flavored drinks), which are part of the Food Product Standards and Food Additives Regulations. Standardized under sub-regulation 2.10.6(2) of 2011 (caffeinated beverages).

Non standardized foods

• Non standardized foods are those foods.
• It is not standardized in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations and Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Innovative Food) Regulations. But use standardized materials.

About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the principal regulatory body concerned with food safety and standards in India.

• Establishment: FSSAI was established in the year 2008 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• Objective: Its main objective is to regulate food safety and standards in India, protect the interests of consumers and set standards.
• Function: FSSAI formulates and monitors policies related to food safety and quality standards. It provides standards and licenses to food products, processes, plants, etc. Food Standards: It sets the standards required for food safety, such as food additives, preservatives, colors, modifiers, etc.
• Inspection and Enforcement: FSSAI conducts regular inspections of food industries, restaurants, canteens etc. and takes action against violation of standards.
• Certification: It issues certification and standard marks such as “Food Safety Management System” certification and “Food Premise Accreditation”.
• Awareness Campaigns: FSSAI runs campaigns to spread awareness about food safety and health.
• Research and Development: It encourages research on food science, technology and standards.
• International Collaboration: FSSAI collaborates with various international organizations like Codex Alimentarius, WHO etc.
• Mission: FSSAI aims to ensure the quality and safety of food products in India and prevent foodborne illnesses. It plays an important role and regulates the food industry.

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