The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to more than a dozen food business operators for violating provisions of the FSS Act, 2006. According to FSSAI's social media post on microblogging platform X, the notices cover misleading brand names, trade names and product claims, labelling violations and other consumer complaints. The authority has directed all companies to take corrective measures following the regulatory action.
Marico Limited received a show-cause notice over claims and labelling on its 'Saffola Total Heart Pro-Multi Source Cooking Oil'. The authority stated that "the use of the claim 'Heart Pro' and heart device imagery appears to extend beyond the nutrient-specific claims provided under Schedule IIA and may create an impression among consumers that consumption of the product itself imparts heart-health benefits." FSSAI further noted that claims such as "Good Fats Balance" and "Losorb for less oil absorption" displayed on the front of the pack need to be scientifically substantiated. Marico has responded by asserting that Saffola Oils remain fully compliant with food safety norms and is preparing a detailed reply to the authorities, maintaining that the claims and labelling are scientifically substantiated and in compliance with applicable food laws.
Natural Paneer was issued a notice for violating provisions governing the use of the word "natural" under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, since the product is a composite food. Pluckk was flagged for a potentially misleading "No Added Sugar" claim on packaging that contains 51% mango pulp and 49% sugarcane. Raw Pressery's Alphonso Mango Drink was also criticized for declaring "Contains naturally occurring sugars" despite the presence of fructose as an added sugar, making the claim misleading.
One notice was issued to Bikanervala following a customer complaint alleging hygiene concerns at a food service and kitchen area. As reported by FSSAI, the complaint received through social media alleged that a staff member was consuming food inside the service or kitchen area during operational hours. The regulator stated that "this raises concerns regarding hygiene and sanitary practices at the premises." FSSAI has asked Bikanervala to provide details of the investigation conducted into the complaint, standard operating procedures regarding employee hygiene and conduct, and corrective measures taken following the complaint. Param Dairy received a notice after a consumer complaint alleged fungal contamination in dahi and rabri supplied through Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation catering services.
The regulatory action extends beyond major brands, with other food businesses including Medizen Labs, MasterChow Foods, Raw Pressery, Nexa Industries and Orville receiving notices. Additionally, brands including Natural Paneer, Gaur Healthy Food-Silken Tofu, Pluckk Mango Fruit Juice, Korean Ginseng and Incipro Gold Powder Vanilla were also issued notices. Among the other companies named in this round, Pluckk Mango Fruit Juice was flagged for a potentially misleading "No Added Sugar" claim, while Natural Paneer received a notice for the improper use of the word "Natural" on what the regulator considers a composite product. Gaur Healthy Food's Silken Tofu was issued a notice over unsubstantiated anti-cancer claims, a particularly serious category given the health implications of such unverified assertions.
