FSSAI Acts Against E-Commerce Food Claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) initiated penal action on 23 September 2026 against Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket, Flipkart India and Zepto for alleged violations of food safety rules. The action covered misleading claims, misbranding, non-compliant product information, and the online sale of prohibited or poisonous food articles.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is the statutory food regulator under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It regulates food standards, labelling, packaging, licensing, and food safety compliance in India.

Types of Food Safety Violations

Misbranding refers to incorrect or deceptive labelling of food products. Non-compliant product information includes missing or inaccurate details on ingredients, nutrition, or statutory declarations. Prohibited food articles include items barred from sale under food safety law, including poisonous substances.

Products Flagged by FSSAI

FSSAI flagged Happilo Premium Date Bites – Zesty Orange across Amazon, Flipkart India, Swiggy Instamart, Zepto and BigBasket for alleged misleading or non-compliant claims. Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket also faced action over Milky Mist Fresh Low Fat Cream, Milky Mist Farm Fresh Curd and Milky Mist Greek Yoghurt.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is the principal law governing food safety in India.
• FSSAI functions as the apex food regulator in India.
• Datura, also called Dhatura, is treated as a poisonous plant in food safety enforcement.
• E-commerce food platforms are covered by food safety and labelling compliance requirements.

Online Food Sale and Compliance

Amazon Seller Services, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket were found in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 for the online sale, listing and offering for sale of Datura fruits and seeds. The enforcement action formed part of a wider drive against food business operators and online food platforms over the previous six months.