The government is intensifying its scrutiny of expiry date violations, as it prepares to crack down on fast-moving consumer goods companies. This comes following a surge in consumer complaints over not displaying mandatory disclosures, including expiry dates, on products sold through their e-commerce websites, according to people aware of the matter.
This move follows the government's recent action, in which it sent notices to e-commerce and quick commerce firms for similar violations.
The complaints involve seven companies, including Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Amul, Patanjali, Dabur India Ltd., Nestle India Ltd., Nature's Basket and Haldiram's for non-compliance with the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2017, which mandates mentioning 'best before or use by the date, month and year' on online platforms, an official said on condition of anonymity.
These are serious violations, and the authorities are investigating the complaints, an official said.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority, which operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, is looking into the matter. The authority has already issued notices to nine e-commerce and quick commerce companies, including Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, JioMart and Decathlon. The consumer watchdog is further expected to take action against FMCG companies as well, according to the official quoted earlier.
NDTV Profit has reached out to spokespersons of these companies. Blinkit has declined to comment, and comments from others are awaited.
One of the consumer forums that has written to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs requesting to examine the matter is LocalCircles. In a letter dated Oct. 18, it stated that FMCG companies do not mention the best before date or manufacturing date of the products sold on their own websites. Some of them, such as Nestle India, HUL and Patanjali, display only a standard shelf life of products, according to a copy of the letter seen by NDTV Profit.
The exponential growth of e-commerce in the country is a matter of concern, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had said earlier. "I am against the misuse of the law of the land [e-commerce laws]."
With consumers preferring quick deliveries, fast-moving consumer goods companies have seen a two-fold increase in the share of quick commerce within their total e-commerce sales, which currently contributes 35% of digital sales. In comparison, sales through their own websites are not significant.
As a Subscriber you get
Stories
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 Exit Polls: When And Where To Watch Results
Nov 20, 2024
HUL To Nestle: FMCG Firms Could See Margin Pressure As Palm Oil Prices Rise
Nov 19, 2024
Zinka Logistics IPO: GMP Holds Steady Ahead Of Opening On Nov. 13
Nov 12, 2024
India's FMCG Sector Grew 5.7% In July-September, Small Players Rebound: Nielsen IQ
Nov 07, 2024
POPULAR