Hello Kisan Jaipur 20 January 2025

Concerns Rise as Retailers Push Products Nearing Expiration

The rise of e-commerce and quick commerce platforms has brought convenience to our doorsteps, but also raised concerns about the quality and freshness of the products delivered. Many consumers are reporting receiving products with very short remaining shelf lives, often nearing expiration.

This trend raises several serious issues:

Food Waste: Products with short shelf lives are more likely to be discarded, contributing significantly to food waste.   

Consumer Dissatisfaction: Receiving perishable goods with limited consumption windows leads to disappointment and potential health risks.

Unethical Practices: Some retailers may be deliberately pushing near-expired stock to avoid losses, potentially compromising food safety standards.

The Role of FSSAI:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of food products. While retailers are responsible for maintaining proper inventory management and ensuring the freshness of their products, FSSAI can play a significant role by:   

Issuing Clearer Guidelines: Establishing specific guidelines for the sale of perishable goods, including minimum shelf life requirements for online and quick commerce platforms.   

Strengthening Monitoring: Enhancing surveillance mechanisms to identify and address instances of the sale of near-expired products.

Raising Consumer Awareness: Educating consumers about food safety practices, including how to check product expiry dates and store perishable goods appropriately.

Conclusion:

The issue of short shelf life products requires immediate attention. By working together, FSSAI, retailers, and consumers can ensure the availability of fresh, safe, and high-quality food products for all.