Consumer Rights at Risk: E-Commerce Platforms Fail to Display Essential Product Information

E-commerce platforms are under scrutiny for failing to display essential product information, including manufacturing and expiry dates, which are crucial for consumer safety. Despite regulatory bodies like the CCPA and FSSAI issuing directives for transparency, many platforms continue to flout these rules. This raises significant concerns about consumer rights and health. A recent survey revealed that a majority of online grocery platforms do not provide necessary details, prompting calls for accountability and compliance. As consumers, it is vital to advocate for our rights and demand transparency in product information.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 23, 2026, 14:59 IST

Hidden Information in E-Commerce

Misleading Sales Practices: When it comes to selecting items like moisturizers, chocolate bars, or cereal, consumers would likely reject products with lengthy manufacturing times—eight months for a moisturizer, six for chocolate, or five for cereal. Yet, what if these fundamental consumer rights are obscured on major online shopping sites? It may come as a surprise, but this is the reality faced by shoppers on platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket, and Amazon. These e-commerce sites are failing to comply with legal requirements by not displaying essential information that consumers need to make informed choices, particularly regarding food and cosmetic products.

Even more alarming is the fact that regulatory bodies like the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have been issuing directives for the mandatory display of critical information, including expiry dates, for at least two years. However, these directives are being blatantly ignored by e-commerce platforms. The FSSAI has reported sending out over two dozen notices to food business operators in recent weeks, yet compliance remains elusive.

Silence from Quick Commerce Platforms

Quick commerce platforms remain silent

In an effort to gather insights, our team reached out to leading quick commerce platforms regarding this pressing issue. Blinkit and Amazon requested a 48-hour period to respond, but even after an additional 48 hours, they failed to provide any answers. Other companies, including Zepto, Swiggy, Flipkart Minutes, and BigBasket, did not reply to the initial inquiry. This lack of communication raises concerns about whether these e-commerce giants are concealing information or simply neglecting consumer health issues.

Regulatory Actions by CCPA and FSSAI

What CCPA and FSSAI said on the matter

In October 2024, the CCPA issued notices to various quick commerce companies for not adhering to mandatory product disclosure regulations, giving them a 15-day window to respond. Subsequently, in December 2024, the FSSAI issued an advisory to these platforms, demanding comprehensive details about the manufacturing and expiry dates of products. A recent survey indicated that 5 out of 8 online grocery platforms in India do not display best before dates for packaged foods. Consumers have also reported inconsistencies, noting that while some orders include best before dates, the manufacturing dates are often absent at the time of purchase.

To advocate for consumer rights, our team has initiated a campaign aimed at ensuring that all relevant product details, including manufacturing dates, are clearly displayed.

Legal Requirements for Product Information

What the law says on the issue

The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2017, stipulate that digital platforms must indicate the "best before or use by date, month and year". This law mandates that both online and offline retailers provide essential product information, such as maximum retail price, expiration date, weight, manufacturer details, and consumer grievance addresses on packaged goods. The FSSAI has also required that e-commerce food business operators implement systems to ensure compliance with the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. Despite numerous government orders and a surge in consumer complaints, the absence of manufacturing and expiry dates persists. So, who are these platforms accountable to if not the consumers?