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Shelf Life Mystery: Food Brands Dodging Online Expiry Dates?
23 Jun
Summary
- FSSAI states e-commerce declarations fall under Legal Metrology Rules.
- One in two consumers still can't find expiry dates online.
- Several platforms largely non-compliant with displaying shelf-life information.
Food regulator FSSAI has stated that declarations on e-commerce platforms are governed by the Legal Metrology Rules, a responsibility under the Department of Consumer Affairs. This clarification arises amidst numerous consumer complaints about the absence of expiry and "best before" dates on packaged food items sold online.
Consumer engagement platform LocalCircles reported that approximately 48% of online grocery platforms fail to display crucial shelf-life information. This non-compliance persists despite the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2017, requiring such details at the point of digital sale.
While platforms like Amazon Now, BigBasket, and Flipkart Minutes are noted for consistency, others such as Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, JioMart, and Milkbasket have shown significant non-adherence. FSSAI had previously warned platforms in 2024 against selling near-expiry products, emphasizing a minimum remaining shelf life.
