FSSAI Issues Show-Cause Notices to BigBasket, Flipkart Over Misleading Claims

India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has issued show-cause notices to quick commerce and e-commerce platforms BigBasket and Flipkart, as well as manufacturer Gemini Edibles & Fats India, over alleged misleading claims about "Freedom Cooking Rice Bran Oil".

According to FSSAI, Gemini's oil was marketed with health claims, including statements about reducing bad cholesterol and containing "10,000+ PPM Natural Oryzanol". The Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, prohibit associating edible vegetable oils with heart health.

The regulator also claimed Gemini was selling food products via its e-commerce website without a valid license for such operations. This action follows a review of promotional materials across digital media and e-commerce storefronts.

FSSAI is considering new regulations for e-commerce, quick commerce, and cloud kitchens. Proposed rules would mandate the online display of manufacturing/expiry dates and batch numbers, holding platforms accountable for manufacturer claims. They also plan stricter checks on storage and disclosure requirements for cloud kitchens.

This action adds to intensified scrutiny of e-commerce and quick commerce platforms for food safety violations. Previously, FSSAI penalized multiple platforms, including Amazon, Bigbasket, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto, for misbranding and misleading claims. State-level authorities have also taken action against platforms for hygiene and safety breaches at their facilities.