FSSAI Issues Notices to Marico, Ferrero, MasterChow and Other Food Brands Over Labelling and Product Claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to multiple food business operators over alleged misleading branding, product claims, labelling violations and consumer complaints. The action is part of the regulator's ongoing enforcement drive under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. 

The notices cover products across dairy, snacks, nutraceuticals, beverages and packaged food categories, with the regulator directing the companies to take corrective measures. 

FSSAI Flags Product Claims and Branding Practices 

Among the products that received notices were Marico's Saffola Total Heart Pro-Multi Source Cooking Oil. FSSAI said the use of terms such as "Heart Pro" and related imagery could create an impression of heart-health benefits beyond what is permitted under existing regulations. The regulator also sought substantiation for certain front-of-pack claims. 

Other products that came under scrutiny include Medizen Labs' AS-IT-IS Atom PWR Whey XL, Gaur Healthy Foods' Silken Tofu, MasterChow Ramen Noodles, Ferrero India's Kinder Joy Coated Wafer Biscuits, Pluckk Mango Fruit Juice and Natural Paneer products. 

Products Under the FSSAI Scanner 

According to the regulator, several products carried claims that may not comply with existing labelling and advertising regulations. 

The observations include the use of claims such as "100% Natural", "100% Veg", "No Added Sugar", "Rich in Milk Solids" and disease-related or therapeutic claims that may require prior regulatory approval. 

FSSAI also raised concerns over claims made by Incipro Gold Powder Vanilla, Korean Ginseng supplements, Orville Mountain Bawarchi Buransh Squash, Nexa Industries' Alkaline Nutrient Water and Raw Pressery's Alphonso Mango Fruit Drink. 

Read More: FSSAI Issues Notices to 14 Food Brands Including Emami Healthy & Tasty, The Health Factory and Troovy 

Consumer Complaints Also Led to Notices 

Apart from product claims, FSSAI also acted on consumer complaints received through social media. 

The regulator issued a notice to Param Dairy Ltd following allegations of fungal contamination in dahi and rabri supplied through IRCTC catering services. 

Another notice was issued to Bikanervala after allegations that a staff member was consuming food inside a service or kitchen area during operational hours. FSSAI has sought details of the company's investigation and corrective measures taken. 

FSSAI Directs Companies to Take Corrective Measures 

FSSAI said the notices have been issued for alleged violations relating to misleading brand names, trade names, product claims, labelling requirements and other provisions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. 

The regulator has directed the concerned food business operators to undertake appropriate corrective measures in response to the observations raised. 

Conclusion 

FSSAI has expanded its enforcement action by issuing notices to multiple food business operators across different product categories over alleged misleading claims, branding and labelling practices. The regulator has also sought corrective measures in cases involving consumer complaints and product labelling. 

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