FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has recently announced that it will be enforcing minimum shelf life regulations of at least 45 days on all food products sold through online platforms. This move has been welcomed by both consumers and food manufacturers, as it will ensure the safety and quality of food products being sold online.
With the rise of e-commerce in India, online platforms have become a popular medium for consumers to purchase a wide range of products, including food items. However, there have been concerns about the shelf life of these products, as they are often stored and transported for longer periods of time before reaching the consumer. This has raised questions about the safety and freshness of these products, and the need for regulations to ensure their quality.
The FSSAI’s decision to enforce a minimum shelf life of 45 days on all food products sold through online platforms is a step in the right direction. This regulation will not only ensure the safety and quality of food products, but also promote consumer confidence in online shopping. It will also bring online platforms on par with traditional brick and mortar stores, where such regulations are already in place.
The FSSAI has stated that this decision was taken after considering the recommendations of a panel of experts, who have studied the shelf life of various food products sold online. The panel found that certain food products, especially perishable items like dairy products, fruits, and vegetables, were being sold with a very short shelf life, sometimes as low as 2-3 days. This not only raises concerns about the quality of these products, but also leads to food wastage and financial losses for both consumers and manufacturers.
By enforcing a minimum shelf life of 45 days, the FSSAI aims to address these issues and ensure that consumers receive fresh and safe food products. This regulation will also benefit food manufacturers, as they will have a longer time frame to sell their products, reducing the chances of wastage and financial losses. It will also encourage them to maintain the quality of their products and adhere to proper storage and transportation practices.
Moreover, this move by the FSSAI will also have a positive impact on the overall food industry. It will encourage manufacturers to innovate and develop new packaging techniques that can extend the shelf life of their products. This will not only benefit online platforms, but also traditional retailers who can adopt these techniques and provide their customers with fresher products.
The FSSAI has also stated that it will be closely monitoring the implementation of this regulation and strict action will be taken against any online platform found violating it. This will ensure that all food products sold through online platforms adhere to the minimum shelf life requirement, providing a level playing field for all manufacturers and promoting fair trade practices.
In addition to the minimum shelf life regulation, the FSSAI has also announced that online platforms will now have to display the expiry date of all food products on their websites. This will enable consumers to make informed decisions while purchasing food products and avoid any confusion or misinformation.
This decision by the FSSAI is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and quality of food products sold through online platforms. It will not only benefit consumers, but also promote a healthy and competitive food industry. It is a positive move that will bring about a positive change in the way food products are sold and consumed in India.
In conclusion, the FSSAI’s decision to enforce a minimum shelf life of 45 days on all food products sold through online platforms is a welcome move. It will ensure the safety and quality of food products, promote fair trade practices, and encourage innovation in the food industry. This regulation will not only benefit consumers, but also manufacturers and the overall economy. Let us all support and comply with this regulation to ensure a healthier and safer food market in India.
