Key Highlights

Strictness on Quick-Commerce: FSSAI and the food safety department take strict action when expired items are received from online platforms (such as the Zepto case).

Complaint Options: Consumers can lodge complaints through the National Consumer Helpline number 1915, FSSAI’s 'Food Safety Connect' portal, or the Consumer Commission.

FSSAI Shelf-Life Rule: At the time of delivery, the shelf life of food items must have at least 30% or 45 days remaining.

Strict Laws for Medicines: If medicines ordered online are found to be expired, you can approach a Drug Inspector or the court under the 'Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940'.

Right to Compensation: If found guilty, the Consumer Commission can order companies/sellers to provide a refund, heavy compensation, and litigation costs.

Detailed Key Points

1. What steps should customers take?

Keep all proofs related to the expiry date written on the packet, the bill, and the order safe.

First, contact the company's customer care. If no resolution is found, file a complaint on 1915 (National Consumer Helpline) or the FSSAI portal.

If negligence is proven, a case can be filed in the Consumer Commission to demand compensation and legal expenses.

2. Health risks of expired food

Dry items like gram flour (besan), flour (atta), and spices can develop fungus (toxins) when exposed to moisture, which increases the risk of liver damage and cancer.

It is crucial to understand the difference between 'Best Before' (quality) and 'Use-By/Expiry' (safety) dates.

3. Responsibility of companies and platforms

Platforms cannot simply wash their hands of the matter by claiming that the item was sold by a third-party seller.

In many cases (such as the judgments of consumer courts in Hyderabad and Himachal Pradesh), companies have been ordered to pay damages and fines to consumers.