Indian Food Regulator Fines Amazon, Flipkart, and Others
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has imposed penalties on multiple e-commerce platforms for violations of food safety regulations.
India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has issued penalties against e-commerce platforms including Amazon, Bigbasket, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto for various non-compliances related to food safety and regulations.
The penalties stem from issues such as misbranding, misleading claims, and the sale or display of prohibited or poisonous food articles via online platforms.
Specific products faced scrutiny. Amazon, Flipkart, and Swiggy Instamart were cited for misleading claims on Happilo Premium Date Bites. Amazon and Swiggy Instamart also faced penalties for offering Datura fruits and seeds for sale, which is prohibited. Bigbasket and Swiggy Instamart were also flagged for misleading claims and non-compliant information on certain Milky Mist dairy products.
The action comes amid increased regulatory oversight of quick commerce platforms. Previously, in August, Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration suspended licenses for 14 businesses linked to quick commerce platforms due to food safety and hygiene violations. Karnataka authorities have also sealed a Zepto warehouse following hygiene and safety breaches.