Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai.Action taken against Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart and two others over banned products and misleading claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated legal action against five major online platforms — Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket, Flipkart and Zepto — over alleged violations of food safety rules.

The action follows the discovery of misleading information and claims on product listings, along with the online sale of dhatura, a poisonous plant and its seeds, on some of the platforms.

The companies are currently facing investigation. The penalties or other action, if any, will be decided after the proceedings are completed.

Poisonous dhatura sale triggers major concern

The online sale of dhatura has emerged as the key issue in the action. Dhatura is considered poisonous and is covered by restrictions under food safety and related regulations.

It cannot be openly sold as an ordinary food or consumable item. FSSAI has treated the listing and sale of the product as a violation of food safety provisions.

What FSSAI found across five platforms

The complaints and alleged violations were linked to specific products and listings on the platforms:

• Amazon: Misleading and false claims were found on Happilo dates. Dhatura and dhatura seeds were also listed for sale.
• Swiggy Instamart: Apart from Happilo dates, Milky Mist cream, curd and yoghurt were flagged over allegedly incorrect information. Dhatura was also listed.
• BigBasket: Listings included Happilo dates, three Milky Mist dairy products and dhatura.
• Flipkart: Action was initiated over misleading claims made in the listing for Happilo dates.
• Zepto: The platform was also found carrying Happilo dates with information alleged to be misleading.

Online food listings face closer safety scrutiny

The action comes at a time when quick-commerce platforms have become a major source of grocery and food purchases. Consumers increasingly order everyday products through mobile apps instead of visiting physical stores.

With deliveries often promised within 10 to 15 minutes, product information displayed on these platforms plays an important role in purchasing decisions.

Companies may face penalties after investigation

FSSAI's action sends a clear message that online platforms are expected to ensure that product descriptions, claims and listings comply with food safety regulations.

The investigation will determine the nature and extent of violations and the action that follows.

• Companies may face penalties under applicable food safety provisions.
• Sellers found violating rules may face action on the platforms.
• Banned or unsafe products cannot be offered as ordinary food items.
• Product descriptions and health-related claims must comply with applicable rules.

The case puts the spotlight on the responsibility of e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms to check products before making them available to consumers.