The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified regulatory action across the food and beverage sector, issuing more than 150 notices to companies over alleged violations involving misleading advertisements, false product claims and labelling requirements. The regulator has also seized food products found to be non-compliant with food safety and standards regulations.
Several major food and beverage companies have come under the scrutiny of FSSAI. The companies named in the regulatory action include Nestle India, PepsiCo, Mondelez India, Coca-Cola India, Danone India, Ferrero India, Diageo and Pernod Ricard. Energy drink manufacturers Red Bull, Monster and Hell Energy have also received notices.
Algoritha Security Launches ‘Make in India’ Cyber Lab for Educational Institutions
Misleading claims and labelling under scrutiny
The regulatory action has focused on advertisements and product claims that allegedly do not comply with prescribed food safety and labelling requirements. Companies have been asked to respond to concerns relating to product packaging, labels, promotional material and claims made to consumers.
The increased scrutiny comes amid growing concerns over claims related to health, nutrition, quality and product characteristics in packaged food and beverages. Regulators are examining whether such claims provide consumers with accurate information and comply with applicable food safety regulations.
Quick-commerce platforms also face notices
FSSAI has expanded its scrutiny beyond food manufacturers to online marketplaces and quick-commerce platforms. The regulator has issued 12 notices to platforms operating in the online food and grocery delivery segment, including Flipkart Minutes and Amazon Now.
With online sales becoming an increasingly important channel for food products, regulators are also examining whether products listed on digital platforms meet food safety, licensing and labelling requirements.
According to FSSAI data, the licence of an Amazon warehouse has also been cancelled. The action highlights the growing regulatory focus on digital marketplaces as part of the broader food supply chain.
The increased scrutiny of online platforms also reflects concerns that products can reach consumers quickly through digital marketplaces, making compliance checks and traceability increasingly important.
KFC, Pizza Hut and McDonald’s among food-service establishments under watch
The food-service sector has also come under the regulator’s scrutiny. More than 30 notices have been issued to establishments associated with major brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Costa Coffee and McDonald’s.
More than 20 additional notices were issued to hotels and restaurants. These included establishments associated with international hospitality groups such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Radisson Hotel Group, Four Seasons and Shangri-La.
The notices involving hotels and restaurants include alleged violations relating to calorie disclosure and menu labelling. The regulatory focus is aimed at ensuring that consumers receive relevant information about food products in a clear and prescribed manner.
Maharashtra intensifies food safety inspections
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also stepped up enforcement against alleged violations of food safety and hygiene requirements. During a recent special drive, officials inspected 89 hotels, restaurants and roadside eateries across the state.
Improvement notices were issued to 71 establishments, while the food business licences of 13 establishments were suspended.
The Bombay Presidency Radio Club and a McDonald’s outlet in Colaba were among the establishments facing regulatory action in Mumbai. Inspections reportedly identified deficiencies involving kitchen hygiene, pest control, food storage, personal hygiene of employees and food safety procedures.
Khar Gymkhana was also among the establishments facing action. Officials reportedly identified concerns relating to food storage, segregation of raw and prepared food, utensil cleaning and medical records of food handlers.
Wider regulatory scrutiny across food supply chain
The recent actions indicate that food safety enforcement is no longer limited to manufacturing facilities. Food manufacturers, online marketplaces, quick-commerce platforms, hotels and restaurants are increasingly being brought under regulatory scrutiny.
The focus on misleading claims, labelling, hygiene and food safety compliance also reflects the growing importance of consumer protection across the entire food supply chain.
With regulators increasing inspections and enforcement, companies operating in the food and beverage sector are likely to face closer scrutiny of their products, advertisements, labels and distribution practices. Further action will depend on compliance responses, inspection findings and the outcome of regulatory proceedings.
