The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a notice to Heritage Foods on Monday for using misleading labeling claims. According to FSSAI's social media post, the regulator found the claim 'Fresh Paneer' on the product packaging to be misleading to consumers. The FSSAI stated that the term 'Fresh' does not satisfy the conditions stipulated under Schedule V for the use of the term 'Fresh'. Accordingly, the use of the word 'Fresh' is liable to mislead consumers and is considered misleading. FSSAI has directed food business operators to strictly comply with established labelling regulations and take corrective measures. The company has been asked to submit an explanation within seven days as to why action should not be initiated under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006. If violations are established after the company's response is examined, FSSAI may initiate further regulatory action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Heritage Foods has now responded to this notice, maintaining that the label accurately describes the product's inherent nature rather than making exaggerated quality claims.
FSSAI issued notices to Lotte India Corporation Pvt. Ltd. over alleged misleading claims on its Choco Pie products. According to the regulator, the company flagged '100% Vegetarian' claims on certain Lotte Choco Pie products, which could create false impressions despite the products containing non-vegetarian ingredients. Additionally, Fruitz Eclairs were found to have names that could create a misleading impression despite not containing fruits, as reported by FSSAI's social media post. The authority clarified that such claims are deceptive because FSSAI grants licences to food businesses but does not individually 'approve' products in the manner suggested. The notice also questioned health claims such as 'boost your immune system,' 'remove toxins from your body,' and 'made with organic vegetables,' stating that no scientific evidence or substantiation had been provided to support these claims. Lotte India was specifically found to have utilised non-compliant pre-printed labels bearing the old company name '
FSSAI issued a notice to Ferns N Petals Pvt. Ltd. over its Roasted Almond Chocolate product, flagging the company's use of 'Premium Chocolate' marketing despite containing hydrogenated vegetable fat. The regulator also found deficiencies in ingredient and nutritional disclosures on the product label, including labelling deficiencies related to per cent RDA (recommended dietary allowance) declaration and ingredient disclosure. According to FSSAI's social media post, Kuberra Foods was issued a notice over claims such as '100% Natural' and 'No Preservatives, Colours & Flavours' on its Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple, even though the label declared a preservative, synthetic food colour and added flavouring substances. The food regulator also issued notices to Dia Foods for multiple misleading claims, including false vegan and organic endorsements on its 'La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread' and the use of terms such as 'all natural' and '100% organic' that do not meet regulatory requirements.
FSSAI has also taken action against companies making unsubstantiated health claims. According to FSSAI's social media post, the regulator found that the term 'Healthy' in its trademark 'Healthy Happiness' is not in accordance with Regulation 8(3) of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. The FSSAI stated that the use of the term 'Healthy' is likely to create the impression that the product inherently promotes or enhances health, thereby rendering the claim misleading. The authority also questioned health claims such as 'boost your immune system' and 'remove toxins from your body,' stating that no scientific evidence or substantiation had been provided to support these claims.
According to FSSAI's social media post, the regulatory body has issued notices to six food business operators due to their alleged violation of the FSS Act, 2006. The regulator has now issued notices to Heritage Foods, Dia Foods, Lotte India Corporation, Ferns N Petals, and Kuberra Foods alleging misleading claims on their product labels in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The FSSAI has directed these companies to comply with applicable regulations, take corrective measures, and explain within seven days why action should not be initiated against them under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006, and the Rules and Regulations. FSSAI has directed Heritage Foods to submit an explanation within seven days as to why the centre should not take action as per the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006, and the regulations made under it. If violations are established after the companies' responses are examined, FSSAI may initiate further regulatory action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The notice has been issued based on suo moto cognizance as well as consumer complaints, as reported by FSSAI. Recently, FSSAI has been posting on social media platforms regarding its actions taken on food business operators (FBOs).
