FSSAI Takes Action Against Amazon, Flipkart, Instamart, BigBasket and Zepto

India’s food regulator has initiated penal action against Amazon, Flipkart India, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket and Zepto over alleged food-safety and regulatory non-compliances on their platforms. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India said the issues include misleading or non-compliant claims as well as the online sale and display of prohibited or poisonous food articles.

All five platforms face action linked to Happilo Premium Date Bites – Zesty Orange, which FSSAI flagged over allegedly misleading or non-compliant claims. The regulator has separately cited Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket over product information and claims associated with Milky Mist’s Fresh Low Fat Cream, Farm Fresh Curd and Greek Yoghurt.

Another part of the enforcement action concerns Datura fruits and seeds. FSSAI said Amazon Seller Services, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket were non-compliant with provisions governing their sale, display or offer for sale through ecommerce platforms. The actions have been initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and applicable regulations.

The latest action comes as regulators increase scrutiny of online food retail and quick- commerce operations. Inc42 notes that authorities have also carried out surprise inspections of

dark stores, while Maharashtra’s FDA suspended licences linked to several quick-commerce establishments in August after inspections identified food-safety and hygiene issues. Karnataka regulators have separately acted against facilities over alleged hygiene violations.

The broader challenge is becoming more complicated as ecommerce catalogues and quick- commerce inventories expand. Platforms are not only managing delivery speed and availability but also increasingly facing questions about whether product claims, labels and restricted-item rules are checked before listings reach consumers. FSSAI’s latest action puts that responsibility firmly in focus, particularly as food distribution moves deeper into app-based marketplaces and hyperlocal delivery networks.