What Are The Rules Regarding Selling Food Online?

Selling food online has become a popular business model, allowing individuals and companies to reach customers directly through digital platforms. However, food being a sensitive and highly regulated item, requires sellers to comply with specific laws related to hygiene, safety, labeling, licensing, and e-commerce practices. Understanding these rules is crucial to operate legally and build customer trust.

Rules and Requirements for Selling Food Online

1. FSSAI Registration or License

All food business operators (FBOs) in India must obtain registration or a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), based on turnover and business scale. This license number must appear on food packages.

2. Compliance with Food Safety Standards

Sellers must follow proper hygiene and manufacturing practices as laid down by the FSSAI. This includes sanitary food handling, storage conditions, temperature control, and pest-free environments.

3. Labeling and Packaging Norms

Food products must carry accurate labeling that includes:

• FSSAI license number
• Manufacturing and expiry dates
• Ingredient list and allergens
• Nutritional information
• Storage instructions

Improper or misleading labeling is a punishable offense.

4. Packaging Regulations

Use food-grade, tamper-proof, and eco-friendly packaging materials. Packaging must preserve the product's quality and shelf life. Avoid using recycled plastic or toxic materials.

5. E-Commerce Platform Guidelines

If selling through third-party platforms (like Amazon, Zomato, Swiggy), sellers must meet platform-specific requirements including valid FSSAI details and product information. The platforms themselves must also register with FSSAI.

6. Tax and Legal Registrations

Register your business under the relevant laws:

• GST registration for tax compliance
• Trade license from the local municipality
• Shop and Establishment Act registration if applicable

7. Cold Chain Maintenance (For Perishables)

Perishable items like dairy or meat require cold chain logistics to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage during delivery.

8. Consumer Complaint and Recall Systems

Have mechanisms in place to handle customer complaints, product returns, and food recalls in case of contamination or regulatory violations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selling homemade food without FSSAI registration
• Ignoring allergen warnings on labels
• Not printing expiry or use-by dates
• Using unsafe packaging for oily or acidic food
• Using fake or duplicate licenses

Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Heavy fines (up to ₹5 lakhs for misbranding)
• Business shutdowns by authorities
• Criminal charges in case of serious food safety violations
• Delisting from e-commerce platforms

Consumer Safety Tips

• Always check the FSSAI license number on the website or product
• Avoid buying unpackaged or unbranded food items
• Report any spoiled or misbranded food to the local food safety authority
• Read user reviews and hygiene ratings of the seller

Example

A home baker starts selling customized cakes online via Instagram and receives orders regularly. However, she receives a notice from the food safety department for not displaying her FSSAI license.

Steps She Should Take:

• Apply for FSSAI registration on foscos.fssai.gov.in
• Ensure proper food-grade packaging with allergen and expiry labels
• Register for GST if annual turnover crosses ₹20 lakhs
• Maintain hygiene while preparing and storing food
• Display the license number on product tags and social media page
• Keep a record of customer feedback and delivery tracking