FSSAI Directs E-commerce Platforms to Correctly Categorize Energy Drinks

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently issued a directive calling all E-Commerce companies to appropriately categorize beverage drinks. In its statement, the FSSAI refrains E-Commerce platforms from referring to cereal based, dairy based or malt based beverages as “Energy Based Drinks” or “Health Drinks”. Within the perspective of the countries food laws, the directive seeks the correct and relevant definition of “Health Drinks”.

Online Food and Beverage Sales Regulation by FSSAI

Food Safety as defined by the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 refers to the assurance about food being acceptable for human consumption and for all its intended purposes attached therewith. In this regard, FSSAI entails food safety on the lines of handling mechanisms, preparation processes, and storage facilities in methods that prevent the onset of food borne illnesses. Beverages and bars are also hereby included in advisories to comply with these food standards.

Challenges in Enforcing Online Food Safety Regulations

Toxic environments leading to contamination of food are the major challenges posed by food safety mechanisms. At the time of food delivery, specifications state that all food items should be holding a shelf life of at least 30% which equals 45 days before the actual expiry date. The regulations stay different for restaurants, caterers and online food delivery mechanisms. In this case only freshly cooked meals are to be taken for delivery.

Food safety legislations have gained a nod from the President of India in the year 2006 and thereby became a published act from then on. Guidelines are renewed from time to time for all food establishments including restaurants and e-commerce delivering agents. Online food delivery companies comply with stringent norms to delist restaurants that are unlicensed. These regulations also adhere to the packaging and labeling sections of food products.

Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs