The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is set to step up enforcement, hold e-commerce platforms responsible for products sold via their platforms and propose stricter action against high-fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods near schools, its CEO Rajit Punhani stated.
FSSAI will begin checks on e-commerce platforms from next month. Platforms will have to carry out due diligence and ensure that products listed on them comply with food safety regulations. “We are holding e-commerce platforms responsible. They cannot take this plea that they are just aggregators, they are just platforms. It is your responsibility, your due diligence,” Punhani stated. This is an issue that Times Now Digital’s “E-Comms Hiding Health Info” campaign has been highlighting and reporting. Whether it is consumer complaints, what health experts and legal experts believe or the measures the FSSAI has taken so far. The campaign has highlighted how India’s quick commerce and e-commerce boom cannot undermine consumers’ right to information and how consumer awareness and transparency is critical going forward. Therefore, the decision and these declarations are significant developments in an issue that Times Now Digital’s campaign has consistently highlighted and reported on.
FSSAI has already held consultations with e-commerce companies. Punhani identified e-commerce and labelling as two major consumer-focused reforms expected over the next year. The regulator has also proposed restricting the sale of HFSS food within 50 metres of schools to protect children from unhealthy food. Punhani said the earlier challenge was the absence of a clear definition of HFSS food. The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition, a govt nutrition research institute, has now provided criteria that FSSAI plans to use.
In an exclusive conversation with Times Now Digital earlier, Revant Himatsingka, FoodPharmer, Founder of Only What’s Needed and health advocate had stated, “I don’t think consumers should have to choose between speed and information. They deserve both. Before clicking “Buy”, every consumer should be able to clearly see the ingredient list, nutrition information, manufacturing date, expiry date, allergen information and net quantity. That’s basic information needed to make an informed decision. Today, even something as simple as checking the ingredients or calories can be surprisingly difficult on some listings. That shouldn’t be the case.”