Online food retailers will have to register with FSSAI now

Online retailers dealing with food products or its business will have register under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 with the food regulator FSSAI, regulator's Chairman Ashish Bahuguna told PTI.

"These e-commerce players at their platforms are also selling food products or dealing in one or another form of food business. And food and food businesses come under the ambit of FSSAI so they have to just register," he said.

The regulator said that without registration it would be "illegal" for these companies to deal in food products or food business and "an appropriate action as per the Food Safety and Standards law could also be explored" for violation.

He also informed that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had invited these companies and held a meeting in this regard.

In coming days, food specific startups Foodpanda India, Zomato, Swiggy and Peppertap and e-commerce giants like Flipkart, Snapdeal and Amazon may have to register with the regulator.

FSSAI CEO Pawan Agarwal said registering with the FSSAI will also be in the interest of ecommerce players.

"By following the regulations of the food safety act, the e-commerce players can ensure the quality of food products or even services to their consumers. And which will help these companies also," Agarwal told PTI.

Agarwal added that there transactions are electronic but if they are selling food products or dealing in food business, then that comes under the FSSAI ambit.

FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 that have hitherto handled food related issues.

(Image credits: indiatimes)