The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to various food business operators for alleged violations related to misleading product claims, branding, and labeling practices. These notices were issued under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, addressing concerns such as misleading brand names, product claims, and labeling violations. Several food businesses have been served notices for claims that could mislead consumers, violating regulations set by the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Among the companies receiving notices is Pluckk, whose mango fruit juice with a ‘No Added Sugar’ claim raised eyebrows due to the presence of sugar cane juice in the ingredient list alongside mango pulp. FSSAI expressed concerns that such claims could mislead consumers about the actual sugar content of the product. The regulator also questioned the use of ‘Natural Paneer’ on a paneer product, stating that this description violated regulations governing the use of the term ‘natural’ for composite foods.
Other companies, including Gaur Healthy Food, MasterChow Foods Pvt Ltd, Ferrero India, and Marico Ltd, have also been issued notices for various claims related to their products. FSSAI highlighted issues with claims made by Medizen Labs, Nexa Industries, Raw Pressery, Nutraceutical’s Incipro Gold Powder Vanilla product, and a Korean Ginseng nutraceutical product, stating that these claims required scientific substantiation or were not permitted under existing regulations.
Furthermore, notices were sent to Bikanervala and Param Dairy Limited following consumer complaints received through social media. Bikanervala was questioned about alleged hygiene concerns, while Param Dairy Limited faced allegations of fungal contamination in dairy-based products supplied through IRCTC catering services. Both companies have been instructed to provide details of their investigations, standard operating procedures, and corrective actions taken in response to the complaints.
FSSAI emphasized that all food business operators receiving notices must take appropriate corrective measures to ensure compliance with food safety, advertising, and labeling regulations.
