Enforcing Food Safety in Online Food Delivery: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the FSSAI Act in Curbing Adulteration in India

Author(s): Argha Banerjee

Abstract:

With the increasing adoption of food delivery applications across India, there has been a significant rise in the number of consumers opting to order meals online. But this convenience also brings new risks, especially when it comes to food safety. This paper looks at how well the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) Act is working to stop food adulteration and protect consumers in the online delivery space. By studying recent data, including over 21,000 flagged cases reported in 2025, this paper explores how effectively the rules are being enforced. We also look at challenges such as weak oversight of delivery platforms, slow responses to violations, and poor coordination between regulators and online services. Through expert opinions, complaint records, and policy reviews, we find that while the FSSAI Act has strong legal backing, it struggles to keep up with the fast-moving digital food industry. The paper ends by suggesting ways to modernize food safety rules, such as using technology to track food quality in real time and encouraging better cooperation between government and food delivery companies.

keywords:
Food safety, FASSAI, Food Adulteration, Food Delivery Companies.

Pages: 115-121     |    46 View     |    10 Download