The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued show-cause notices to Lotte India, Ferns N Petals, and Kubera Foods over alleged misleading claims and violations of food labelling regulations. The regulator has directed the companies to explain within seven days why action should not be initiated against them under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
According to the FSSAI, several non-compliance issues were identified in products manufactured by Lotte India. The regulator found that the company had used pre-printed labels bearing its old company name without obtaining prior approval. It also stated that the “100% Vegetarian” claims displayed on Lotte Choco Pie with Rich Marshmallow, Lotte Choco Pie Real Orange, and Lotte Choco Pie Choco Burst were misleading.
The regulator further observed that PEPERO Crunchy Biscuit Sticks and PEPERO Original Biscuit Sticks did not provide nutritional information in the prescribed format. It also found that Lolly Bliss Lollipop in orange, strawberry and raw mango flavours did not comply with the prescribed vitamin levels under the advertising and claims regulations. In addition, Fruitz Eclairs in mango, orange and strawberry flavours created the misleading impression that the products contained fruit, although they did not. The mandatory front-of-pack disclaimer was also found to be missing.
FSSAI has also issued a notice to Kubera Foods regarding its Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple product. According to the regulator, the packaging carried claims such as “100% Natural” and “No Preservatives, Colours & Flavours”, even though the product label declared the presence of preservatives, synthetic food colours and added flavouring substances. The regulator said the use of terms such as “Pure”, “Fresh”, and “Natural” was not in compliance with the applicable regulations.
Similarly, Ferns N Petals Pvt. Ltd. has been served a notice over misleading claims on its Roasted Almond Chocolate product. FSSAI stated that the product was marketed as “Premium Chocolate” despite containing hydrogenated vegetable fat. The regulator also identified deficiencies in the declaration of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and ingredient disclosures on the product label.
FSSAI said such enforcement actions are aimed at protecting consumer interests and ensuring transparency and fair practices in the food business. Recently, the regulator had also issued a notice to Heritage Foods Ltd. over the “Fresh Paneer” claims made for one of its products.
According to the regulator, the notices have been issued based on both suo motu cognisance and consumer complaints. In recent months, FSSAI has also been publicly sharing details of enforcement actions against food business operators through its social media platforms. Officials said that if the companies fail to provide satisfactory explanations, further regulatory action will be initiated in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act.
