FSSAI Issues Notices to BigBasket, Flipkart Over Oil Claims
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Khushi Jain
- October 16, 2026
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued show-cause notices to quick commerce and ecommerce platforms BigBasket and Flipkart, along with manufacturer Gemini Edibles & Fats India, over allegedly misleading claims used to promote Freedom Cooking Rice Bran Oil.
According to the FSSAI notice, Gemini marketed the oil using health-benefit claims, including statements that it “reduces bad cholesterol and maintains/increases good cholesterol” and contains “10,000+ PPM Natural Oryzanol”.
The regulator noted that associating edible vegetable oils with heart health is not permitted under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.
FSSAI also alleged that Gemini was selling food products through its proprietary ecommerce website without holding a valid Central Licence covering ecommerce activity.
The action follows an examination of promotional material across digital media platforms and ecommerce storefronts.
FSSAI Considers Stricter Rules for Ecommerce Platforms
The latest action comes as FSSAI considers introducing dedicated regulations for ecommerce and quick commerce platforms, as well as cloud kitchens, according to a recent statement by its CEO.
The proposed rules would require food listings on ecommerce platforms to display manufacturing and expiry dates and batch numbers online. Under the proposed framework, platforms would also be held accountable for misleading claims made by manufacturers.
FSSAI is also considering mandatory disclosure of cloud kitchen photographs and addresses, along with stricter checks on storage conditions at dark stores.
Ecommerce and Quick Commerce Platforms Under Scrutiny
The notices add to the ongoing regulatory scrutiny of ecommerce and quick commerce platforms over food safety compliance.
A few weeks ago, FSSAI penalised Amazon, BigBasket, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart and Zepto for allegedly engaging in misbranding, making misleading claims, and selling or displaying prohibited or poisonous food articles.
Earlier in the year, the regulator issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart following consumer complaints about the alleged delivery of expired, spoiled and contaminated food products.
State-level authorities have also been taking action against quick commerce platforms over food safety and hygiene violations at their dark stores.
State Authorities Intensify Dark Store Inspections
In August, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the licences of 14 dark stores after inspecting 86 such outlets during a statewide inspection drive.
Shortly before that, Karnataka food safety officials sealed a major Zepto warehouse in Bengaluru’s Hoskote over multiple alleged breaches of food safety regulations.
The latest notices to BigBasket, Flipkart and Gemini Edibles & Fats India come amid continued regulatory action targeting food safety, product claims and compliance across online food retail and quick commerce operations.
FAQs
1. Why has FSSAI issued notices to BigBasket and Flipkart?
FSSAI issued show-cause notices over allegedly misleading claims used to promote Freedom Cooking Rice Bran Oil, manufactured by Gemini Edibles & Fats India.
2. What claims were made about Freedom Cooking Rice Bran Oil?
The oil was marketed with claims that it “reduces bad cholesterol and maintains/increases good cholesterol” and contains “10,000+ PPM Natural Oryzanol”.
3. Which regulations govern food advertising and claims in this case?
The relevant rules are the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, which do not permit associating edible vegetable oils with heart health.
4. What ecommerce regulations is FSSAI considering?
The proposed rules would require online food listings to display manufacturing and expiry dates and batch numbers. FSSAI is also considering accountability for misleading manufacturer claims, disclosure of cloud kitchen photographs and addresses, and stricter dark store storage checks.
5. Which other platforms have faced FSSAI or state-level action?
Amazon, BigBasket, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart and Zepto have faced regulatory action. State authorities have also acted against dark stores, including suspending licences of 14 outlets in Maharashtra and sealing a Zepto warehouse in Bengaluru’s Hoskote.
