Concerns Rise Over Expired Food Deliveries in India's Quick Commerce

The Growing Issue of Food Safety in E-Commerce

For countless Indians, ordering groceries in just ten minutes has become a routine. However, a crucial question remains unanswered at checkout: can consumers see the production and expiration dates of their food before making a purchase? This concern is central to a campaign by a digital news outlet focusing on health information transparency in e-commerce.

Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart following numerous consumer complaints. These complaints alleged that the platform delivered expired, spoiled, and contaminated food items. The FSSAI reported that the flagged products included expired whey protein, a snack mix past its shelf life, rotten organic eggs, spoiled milk, and damaged packaged foods.

In one instance, a customer was reportedly offered only a refund without any action taken regarding the safety complaint. The FSSAI's inquiries extend beyond individual products, questioning the onboarding process for sellers, stock management, license verification, and complaint handling. Notably, two of the flagged items were from Swiggy's own brand, limiting the company's ability to blame third-party sellers. The authority has requested a detailed compliance report from Swiggy, warning of potential actions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Swiggy's Reaction and Clarifications

In response, Swiggy stated that it is reviewing the flagged listings and is collaborating with authorities to address the issues comprehensively. Separately, Swiggy disclosed a prohibition order from FSSAI's Designated Officer in Karnataka regarding its food delivery platform, Toing, which was related to updating license details and did not involve food safety concerns. The company clarified that the issues were resolved, and a modified license was issued without penalties, expecting no significant impact on its operations.

Unanswered Questions from FSSAI

During a recent event, a representative from FSSAI was asked why manufacturing and expiry dates are not displayed on products sold through e-commerce platforms. While acknowledging the rising food safety complaints, he did not provide a direct answer regarding the absence of these critical dates online.

Despite regulatory actions, consumers continue to report similar issues. For instance, a user shared on social media that they received expired buttermilk from a quick commerce app, leading to a refund but raising concerns about the health risks involved. Another user reported receiving a product with visible signs of spoilage, questioning the adequacy of refunds as a solution.

Many shoppers are unaware of the legal requirements for online purchases. E-commerce platforms must display essential information, including maximum retail price, net quantity, manufacturer details, and a 'best before' or use-by date. However, the exact month and year of manufacture are not strictly mandated to be shown online.

Despite the legal requirements, checks by the digital news outlet have shown that this information is often not displayed at the point of purchase. The campaign emphasizes that consumers should have access to complete product information before making a purchase, and accountability must be enforced when safety standards are compromised. A mere refund does not address the underlying issues of food safety and consumer health.

This report is part of a campaign advocating for transparency in e-commerce, urging platforms to display essential product information, including manufacturing and expiry dates, to protect consumers' rights.