The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has received 21,042 consumer grievances against online food delivery platforms over the last five fiscal years, with a sharp rise in complaints in 2024-25. The complaints primarily involved issues related to adulterated, unsafe, and substandard food.
In a written response to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs, BL Verma, stated that FSSAI conducts regular surveillance, monitoring, inspections, and random sampling of food products sold online through e-commerce platforms.
The data reveals a growing concern over food safety in the online food delivery sector. Complaints surged to 7,482 in 2024-25, compared to 4,708 in 2023-24, 4,321 in 2022-23, 3,726 in 2021-22, and 805 in 2020-21. In response, FSSAI took stringent action during 2023-24, canceling 502 licenses, suspending 316, and imposing penalties amounting to ₹74.12 lakh.
FSSAI has a dedicated system for handling consumer complaints through multiple channels, including its web portal, mobile app, helpline, and social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. These complaints are streamlined into the Food Safety Connect Portal, which is integrated with the online Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).
The increasing number of grievances highlights growing concerns about food safety in India’s booming online food delivery industry. With stricter regulations and enforcement, FSSAI aims to ensure safer food standards for consumers nationwide.