FSSAI Cracks Down on Amazon, Zepto, Flipkart and 2 Others Over Misleading Food Claims: Products Flagged

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a sweeping enforcement action against five major online grocery and food delivery platforms—Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket, Flipkart India, and Zepto—after a review of their product listings revealed multiple instances of misleading claims and the sale of items prohibited under the Food Safety Act. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of the e‑commerce food sector, where the boundaries between retail and food service have blurred, raising concerns about consumer protection and regulatory compliance.According to the FSSAI, the companies were found to have listed a variety of products that either carried false health benefit claims or were otherwise non‑compliant with the standards set for food safety. The allegations focus on both the content of product descriptions and the nature of the items themselves..

In several cases, the platforms had advertised certain foods as “gluten‑free,” “organic,” or “low‑sugar” when, upon investigation, the products did not meet the requisite certification or labelling requirements. In other instances, items that are classified as restricted—such as those containing high levels of sugar or saturated fats—were available for sale without the necessary approvals or warning labels.The regulatory action was triggered by a routine audit carried out by the FSSAI’s regional office in Mumbai, which noted a pattern of non‑compliance across multiple listings. The agency’s findings were subsequently compiled into a report that highlighted specific categories of food items, including frozen ready meals, snack packs, and powdered drinks..

Each category contained multiple sub‑products that violated labeling norms or were sold without proper documentation. The FSSAI’s audit team also observed that some listings were updated or re‑listed after the initial violation, suggesting an attempt to circumvent regulatory checks.Under the Food Safety Act 2006, any food product sold in India must carry a label that includes the name of the product, the name and address of the manufacturer, the expiry date, and compliance with relevant health standards. Products that make health or nutritional claims are required to have a certificate of compliance issued by a state or central government authority..

The FSSAI’s report indicates that a number of the flagged items failed to meet these baseline criteria. For example, several ready‑to‑cook meals were marketed as “gluten‑free” despite being packaged with gluten‑containing ingredients, while some snack bars were advertised as “low‑calorie” without any evidence to support the claim.In addition to the labeling issues, the FSSAI found that a number of restricted items were available for purchase on these platforms. Foods that contain high levels of sugar, salt, or trans‑fats are subject to specific labeling and consumption guidelines, and in some cases, outright restrictions..

The audit revealed that certain snack packs and sweetened drinks, which should have carried a warning about high sugar content, were listed without any such notices. In a few instances, the FSSAI identified products that contain ingredients banned by Indian law, such as certain types of palm oil derivatives, being sold under generic categories that did not disclose the exact composition.The enforcement action includes a requirement that each of the five platforms must rectify the flagged listings within a specified timeframe. They are also mandated to conduct a comprehensive audit of all food items sold through their respective sites, ensuring that every product complies with FSSAI standards..

Failure to comply will result in penalties that could range from fines to the suspension of food sales privileges. The FSSAI has already issued formal notices to the companies, outlining the corrective measures and the deadlines for compliance.In response to the FSSAI’s directive, spokespersons from the affected companies have issued statements indicating their commitment to consumer safety and regulatory adherence. Amazon’s food division spokesperson said the company would review its seller policies and work with its partners to ensure that all products meet the necessary standards..

Similarly, Swiggy Instamart’s representative announced the implementation of a new verification process for all food items before they are listed. BigBasket’s chief operating officer stated that the company would conduct an internal audit of its product catalog and update its labeling protocols accordingly.Flipkart India, meanwhile, has highlighted its existing compliance framework and expressed confidence that the flagged items were the result of third‑party seller errors rather than systemic issues. The platform’s spokesperson emphasized that it has been working closely with the FSSAI to address any gaps in its product listings..

Zepto’s team echoed a similar sentiment, underscoring the company’s focus on quality control and its partnership with certified suppliers. All five companies have agreed to cooperate fully with the FSSAI and to provide documentation that supports their compliance status.The FSSAI has also clarified that its actions are not punitive per se, but rather aimed at protecting consumers from misinformation and ensuring that all food sold in India meets the necessary safety and labeling standards. In a statement, the agency noted that it had previously issued warning notices to similar platforms but had not seen a significant improvement in compliance..

The current enforcement action, therefore, represents a more robust regulatory stance that could set a precedent for how online food sellers are monitored in the future.Consumer groups and food safety advocates have welcomed the FSSAI’s decision. The Indian Food Safety Network (IFSN), a coalition of NGOs focused on food hygiene, praised the agency for its decisive action and urged that similar scrutiny be extended to other online marketplaces. “We have long been concerned about the lack of transparency in online food sales,” said IFSN director Anjali Rao..

“This action sends a clear message that misleading claims and non‑compliance will not be tolerated.”The regulatory move has sparked debate about the role of e‑commerce platforms in ensuring the integrity of food products. While the platforms argue that they are not responsible for the production quality of items sold by third‑party vendors, the FSSAI insists that sellers—whether direct or indirect—must maintain a certain standard of accountability. The agency’s guidelines stipulate that platforms must have robust verification mechanisms in place to verify the authenticity of product claims and the compliance of the suppliers.Looking forward, the FSSAI plans to introduce a digital compliance dashboard that will allow sellers to upload documentation and receive real‑time feedback on their listings..

This system is intended to reduce the administrative burden on small vendors while ensuring that all food products meet the requisite safety criteria. The agency also intends to conduct periodic audits, both random and targeted, to maintain vigilance over the rapidly expanding online food sector.In summary, the FSSAI’s enforcement action against Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket, Flipkart India, and Zepto highlights the increasing regulatory focus on the e‑commerce food marketplace. By flagging misleading health claims and restricted products, the authority underscores the importance of transparent labeling and consumer.