India’s fast-growing quick commerce sector, known for delivering groceries and food items within 10 minutes, is set to face stringent regulatory oversight. Food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is considering tightening rules surrounding food safety, labeling transparency, and product claims on digital delivery platforms such as Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Amazon Now. According to a Bloomberg report, the primary objective is to curb misleading health claims, poor hygiene, and improper storage conditions at dark stores.

FSSAI Chief Executive Officer Rajit Punhani emphasized that the regulatory body is working towards enforcing stricter guidelines to make these e-commerce giants accountable for the items listed on their applications. These proposed policy interventions are expected to bring structural changes to the online grocery and food delivery ecosystem across the country.

Under the upcoming framework, online platforms will likely be mandated to display crucial details for every food product listed, including the manufacturing date, expiry date, and batch number. Furthermore, if a manufacturer makes deceptive or exaggerated health claims about a product, the hosting digital platform will also share legal accountability for enabling that listing.

The regulator is also turning its focus toward ‘dark kitchens’ and ‘dark stores’. Dark kitchens operate exclusively to fulfill online delivery orders without offering dine-in facilities. To enhance transparency, FSSAI is evaluating a requirement for platforms to publish the official address and clear operational photographs of these kitchens. Simultaneously, inspection protocols at dark stores will be intensified to verify whether perishable items, particularly frozen foods and dairy products, are stored at prescribed temperatures under sanitary conditions.

Regulatory scrutiny on e-commerce platforms has intensified over recent months following an uptick in consumer grievances. Major entities including Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, Flipkart, and Amazon India have previously faced regulatory actions related to misbranding, the sale of unauthorized goods, and licensing discrepancies. In response to recent inquiries, Swiggy Instamart noted it was reviewing its product catalogs in consultation with authorities. Meanwhile, Amazon maintained that as a third-party marketplace, it swiftly removes non-compliant products and penalizes sellers violating regulatory guidelines.

FSSAI’s enforcement drive extends beyond delivery apps to encompass major fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) corporations, hotel chains, and premium restaurants. Authorities are closely examining promotional advertisements, product labeling, marketing targeted at children, and supply chain storage standards. Industry giants like Nestle India, PepsiCo, Dabur India, and luxury hotel operators such as JW Marriott have also been issued notices regarding compliance breaches. These comprehensive measures mark a significant step toward safeguarding public health and consumer rights in India’s booming digital economy.