New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its crackdown on misleading food labels by issuing notices to several companies, including Lotte India Corporation Pvt. Ltd., Ferns N Petals Pvt. Ltd. and Kuberra Foods, over alleged violations related to product claims and labelling.
The food regulator has asked the companies to respond within seven days, explaining why action should not be initiated against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the applicable food safety regulations.
The latest action is part of FSSAI’s wider effort to ensure that food manufacturers and sellers provide accurate product information and do not mislead consumers through marketing or packaging claims.
Claims on chocolates and confectionery questioned
Lotte India Corporation Pvt. Ltd. received a notice over claims made on certain Choco Pie products, including the use of the label “100% Vegetarian.” The regulator also flagged some Fruitz Eclairs products, stating that their names could create the impression that they contain fruit despite allegedly not containing fruit ingredients.
Ferns N Petals Pvt. Ltd. also came under scrutiny for its Roasted Almond Chocolate. According to FSSAI, the product was marketed as “Premium Chocolate” despite containing hydrogenated vegetable fat. The regulator further pointed to alleged shortcomings in the product’s ingredient declaration and nutritional information.
‘100% Natural’ claim under scanner
Kuberra Foods was issued a notice over its Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple product. FSSAI questioned claims such as “100% Natural” and “No Preservatives, Colours & Flavours” after observing that the product label declared the presence of a preservative, synthetic food colour and added flavouring substances.
The regulator believes such claims could mislead consumers regarding the actual composition of the product.
Wider crackdown on misleading labels
The latest notices follow recent action by FSSAI against several beverage companies accused of misbranding products as “energy drinks” and making misleading promotional claims.
The regulator has been increasing enforcement against inaccurate labelling and marketing practices to improve transparency in the food industry and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
Companies receiving notices will now have to submit their responses before FSSAI decides whether to initiate further regulatory action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.