E-COMMERCE SITES TOLD TO CLASSIFY FOOD ITEMS CORRECTLY

Why in the news?

FSSAI directed e-commerce food businesses to accurately categorise products, highlighting misclassification issues for health and energy drinks.

About the FSSAI Directive to E-commerce Food Businesses:

  • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a directive to e-commerce food businesses.
  • It emphasised the importance of correct categorization of food products on their platforms.
  • Instances were noted where licensed “proprietary foods” were inaccurately classified, particularly dairy-based, cereal-based, and malt-based beverage mixes.
  • E-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) were advised to adhere strictly to regulatory guidelines.
source:slideserve
About The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) :

●  Autonomous statutory body under the FSS Act, 2006.

●  Administered by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India.

●  HQ: Delhi.

●  Established in 2008, operational since 2011.

●  Shifted to single-line control, emphasising self-compliance.

●  Key processes include setting standards, licensing, inspections, testing, training, and citizen outreach.

FSSAI Initiatives in Brief:

●  Eat Right India Movement:

○   Government initiative ensuring safe, healthy, and sustainable food aligned with national health policies.

●  Eat Right Station Certification:

○   Certification for railway stations providing safe and wholesome food to passengers, according to FSSAI standards.