New Delhi, June 19: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced on Friday that it has issued notices to food business operators (FBOs) for making misleading claims, branding, and labeling regarding their products. This action was taken following customer complaints about these products.
Additionally, the FSSAI has directed FBOs to implement corrective measures.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, the FSSAI stated that these notices were issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The notices pertain to violations related to misleading brand names, trade names, product claims, and labeling regulations, as well as other customer complaints.
According to the regulator, several food businesses have received notices. These operators are accused of making claims that violate the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, or that could mislead consumers.
Among the companies questioned by the regulator is ‘Pluck’, which claimed that its mango juice contained ‘no added sugar.’ However, an investigation revealed that the ingredient list included mango pulp and cane juice. The regulator noted that this claim could create confusion regarding the sugar content in the product.
Furthermore, the regulator raised concerns about the use of the term ‘natural cheese’ on a paneer product, stating that it violates the rules regarding the use of ‘natural’ for mixed food products.
Other companies that received notices include ‘Gaur Healthy Foods’ for claims related to its ‘Silken Tofu’ product; ‘Masterchow Foods Private Limited’ for references to ‘100 percent natural,’ ‘freshly made,’ and ‘organic flour’; ‘Ferrero India’ for its ‘Kinder Joy-Coated Wafer Biscuit’ product claiming to be ‘rich in milk solids’; and ‘Marico Limited’ for branding and health-related claims associated with ‘Saffola Total Heart Pro’ cooking oil.
Additionally, the FSSAI questioned claims made by Medigen Labs, Nexa Industries, Raw Pressery, and Nutraceutical regarding their ‘Insipro Gold Powder Vanilla’ product and Korean ginseng nutraceutical products. The government agency stated that scientific evidence was required for many health and performance-related claims or they were not approved under existing regulations.
Moreover, following customer complaints received via social media, notices were also issued to Bikanervala and Param Dairy Limited.
Bikanervala received a notice due to hygiene concerns. A complaint indicated that a staff member was eating inside the service or kitchen area during working hours. The company has been asked to provide information about its investigation, standard operating procedures, and corrective actions taken in response to the complaint.
Meanwhile, Param Dairy Limited was issued a notice regarding allegations of fungal contamination in dairy-based products (curd and rabdi) supplied through IRCTC catering services. The company has been instructed to provide details about the supplied products, inventory management practices, corrective actions taken, and measures implemented to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
The FSSAI stated that all relevant food business operators have been directed to take appropriate corrective actions and ensure compliance with applicable food safety, advertising, and labeling regulations.
Leave a Comment