The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued a critical order on 18 March 2026 defining compliance obligations for e-commerce Food Business Operators under the ONDC model.
This update directly impacts how food businesses operate on digital platforms. More importantly, it introduces clear accountability between multiple entities involved in a single transaction.
As a result, food businesses must now understand their roles within this new ecosystem.
What is ONDC in Food E-Commerce
The Open Network for Digital Commerce, introduced by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, follows a decentralized model. Unlike traditional platforms, ONDC separates the transaction into different participants. These include:
- Buyer side platforms known as Buyer Apps
- Seller side platforms known as Seller Apps
Therefore, one transaction no longer depends on a single entity. Instead, multiple stakeholders share responsibilities.
Why FSSAI Issued This Notification
FSSAI reviewed existing regulations after ONDC introduced its open network model. Since multiple entities operate in one transaction, compliance responsibilities needed clear division.
Hence, FSSAI defined specific obligations for each participant. These provisions will come into effect from 1 April 2026. At the same time, FoSCoS has been updated to capture traceability details for both Buyer Apps and Seller Apps.
Who Needs FSSAI License in ONDC Model
Under the regulations, all e-commerce food businesses must hold a valid FSSAI license. In addition, platforms that list food products or facilitate transactions must obtain a Central License. This means compliance is mandatory for both aggregators and sellers.
Key Compliance Responsibilities in ONDC Model
FSSAI has clearly divided responsibilities between Seller Apps and Buyer Apps. This removes confusion and ensures accountability.
Responsibilities of Seller Apps
Seller Apps carry primary responsibility for data accuracy and compliance.
They must:
- Provide correct FSSAI license or registration details
- Ensure accuracy of all product information
- Upload clear images of the principal display panel
- Share shelf life and product details at the time of order
- Avoid misleading claims or false information
- Remove non compliant products immediately
- Provide seller details and license number
- Ensure invoices include FSSAI license details
In short, Seller Apps own the authenticity of information.
Responsibilities of Buyer Apps
Buyer Apps focus on displaying and facilitating information.
They must:
- Display all information provided by Seller Apps
- Ensure expired products are not listed
- Show shelf life details clearly
- Provide digital invoices to consumers
- Display seller details including license number
- Enable complaint registration and tracking
Therefore, Buyer Apps act as the interface but still hold operational responsibility.
Product Information and Label Compliance
FSSAI has emphasized transparency in product display. Seller Apps must provide a clear image of the principal display panel. This includes all key label information except batch number, expiry date, and MRP.
Meanwhile, Buyer Apps must ensure this information is visible to consumers before purchase.
Shelf Life Requirement for Online Delivery
The regulation sets a strict rule for product shelf life.
Food products must have at least:
- 30 percent shelf life remaining
- Or 45 days before expiry at the time of delivery
However, fresh food from restaurants must be delivered as freshly prepared items.
This ensures food safety during last mile delivery.
Mandatory Food Information Before Purchase
Consumers must receive all mandatory food information before completing a purchase. Seller Apps must provide accurate data. Buyer Apps must display it without extra charges. This includes nutritional details, allergen information, and veg non veg declaration where applicable.
Last Mile Delivery Responsibility
Food safety does not end at dispatch. The entity handling delivery must ensure:
- Trained delivery personnel
- Safe handling of food
- No compromise in product quality
Depending on the model, this responsibility may fall on Seller App, Buyer App, or delivery partner.
Misleading Claims and Non Compliance
FSSAI has taken a strict stance on misleading practices. Seller Apps must ensure that:
- No false claims are made
- No misleading images are displayed
If any product violates regulations, it must be removed immediately. Buyer Apps must also inform Seller Apps if such issues are identified.
Consumer Grievance Redressal
The ONDC model introduces shared responsibility for complaints.
Seller Apps must resolve issues related to their products and compliance.
Buyer Apps must:
- Allow complaint registration
- Enable tracking
- Forward complaints to Seller Apps
- Resolve issues under their scope
This ensures a structured grievance system.
Traceability and FoSCoS Integration
FSSAI has updated FoSCoS to capture Buyer App and Seller App data.
This improves:
- Product traceability
- Accountability across stakeholders
- Regulatory monitoring
As a result, authorities can track every transaction more effectively.
Compliance Impact on Food Businesses
This notification changes how e-commerce food businesses operate.
Now, businesses must:
- Clearly define their role in ONDC
- Maintain accurate and updated information
- Ensure compliance at every stage
- Align internal processes with digital traceability
Failure to comply can lead to regulatory action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Strategic Industry Impact
This move signals a shift toward a multi stakeholder compliance model. It strengthens traceability across digital platforms. It also improves consumer protection. In addition, it aligns India with global digital commerce practices. Most importantly, it removes ambiguity in responsibility.
Conclusion
The FSSAI ONDC compliance framework is a major regulatory development for e-commerce food businesses. It clearly defines roles, strengthens accountability, and introduces structured compliance in a decentralized system. Food businesses must act quickly to adapt. In this model, clarity is compliance and compliance is survival.
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