The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to several Food Business Operators (FBOs) over alleged misleading claims and labelling violations. The food regulator has directed the companies concerned to comply strictly with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and applicable regulations while taking necessary corrective measures.
FSSAI has issued notices to products including Heritage Foods Limited’s ‘Fresh Paneer’, Dia Foods’ ‘La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread’, and Cipzer Nutraceuticals’ ‘Juice Capsules’, asking them to explain within seven days why action should not be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the relevant rules and regulations.
In the case of Heritage Foods, FSSAI stated that the use of the term ‘Fresh Paneer’ does not meet the prescribed conditions for using the word ‘Fresh’. According to the regulator, the claim has the potential to mislead consumers because the product allegedly does not satisfy the required standards for such a description.
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The regulator also objected to the use of the word ‘Healthy’ in the trademark ‘Healthy Happiness’, stating that it may create the impression that the product inherently promotes or improves health, contrary to the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. For Cipzer Nutraceuticals’ ‘Juice Capsules’, FSSAI questioned claims including ‘FSSAI Approved’, ‘Boost Your Immune System’, ‘Remove Toxins From Your Body’, and ‘Made with Organic Vegetables’.
According to the regulator, displaying ‘FSSAI Approved’ on the product may falsely suggest that the authority has specifically endorsed or certified the product. FSSAI also noted that no scientific evidence was provided to substantiate claims relating to boosting immunity or removing toxins from the body. The regulator further observed that the product packaging displays images of vegetables such as tomato, cucumber, broccoli, cabbage and coriander, although these ingredients are reportedly not listed in the product’s ingredient declaration. It also pointed out that while Vitamins C and E are mentioned on the label, the mandatory nutritional information and prescribed details have not been adequately provided.
FSSAI additionally stated that the claim ‘Made with Organic Vegetables’ gives consumers the impression that the product is organic, despite the absence of the mandatory organic certification marks, including the Jaivik Bharat logo.
In the case of ‘La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread’, the regulator has objected to claims such as ‘All Natural’, ‘100% Organic’, and ‘Vegan’. According to FSSAI, the term ‘All Natural’ does not satisfy the prescribed conditions for such claims and is likely to mislead consumers. It further stated that the product had not obtained the required approvals for making organic and vegan claims.
FSSAI also clarified that, under its advisory issued on May 28, the term ‘100%’ is not defined under the Food Safety and Standards Act or its associated regulations. Consequently, claims such as ‘100% Organic’ may be considered misleading.
The food regulator has intensified enforcement against misleading advertisements, labelling practices and hygiene-related violations in recent weeks. It has directed the companies concerned to submit their explanations within the stipulated period, warning that further action may be initiated in accordance with the law if satisfactory responses are not received.
