FSSAI cracks down on misleading claims, issues notices to Marico, Ferrero, Raw Pressery and others

    Marico's Saffola oil, Kinder Joy and other products have come under FSSAI scrutiny over health claims, packaging and consumer complaints

    FSSAI has issued notices to multiple food companies over alleged misleading claims, branding practices, labelling concerns and consumer complaints related to food safety and hygiene
    FSSAI has issued notices to multiple food companies over alleged misleading claims, branding practices, labelling concerns and consumer complaints related to food safety and hygiene

    The food regulator issued notices across multiple categories, citing concerns over health claims, product labelling, branding practices and consumer complaints

    The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its enforcement drive against food business operators, issuing notices to several companies over alleged misleading claims, branding practices and consumer complaints.

    The regulator’s latest action covers a wide range of products, including cooking oils, dairy items, nutritional supplements, beverages, packaged foods and snacks.

    According to FSSAI, the notices were issued following scrutiny of product labels, branding material, promotional claims and complaints received from consumers.

    Marico’s Saffola among products under scrutiny

    One of the prominent products that received a notice is Marico’s Saffola Total Heart Pro-Multi Source Cooking Oil.

    FSSAI said the use of terms such as “Heart Pro” and related visual imagery could potentially create the impression that the product offers heart-health benefits beyond what is permitted under current regulations.

    The regulator has also sought scientific substantiation and supporting evidence for certain claims highlighted on the front of the packaging.

    Marico’s Saffola, Ferrero products under FSSAI scrutiny over branding and health claims
    Marico’s Saffola, Ferrero products under FSSAI scrutiny over branding and health claims

    Multiple products flagged across categories

    Apart from Saffola, notices were issued to several other products, including:

    • Medizen Labs’ AS-IT-IS Atom PWR Whey XL
    • Gaur Healthy Food’s Silken Tofu
    • MasterChow noodles
    • Ferrero India’s Kinder Joy-coated wafer biscuits
    • Pluckk Mango Fruit Juice
    • Natural Paneer products

    FSSAI’s observations reportedly included concerns over claims such as “100% Natural”, “100% Veg”, “No Added Sugar” and “Rich in Milk Solids”, which may require clearer substantiation or could potentially mislead consumers.

    Concerns over health and therapeutic claims

    The regulator also raised questions regarding products that allegedly made disease-related, therapeutic or functional health claims without obtaining the required approvals.

    Among the products examined were:

    • Incipro Gold Powder Vanilla
    • Korean Ginseng supplements
    • Orville Mountain Bawarchi Buransh Squash
    • Nexa Industries’ Alkaline Nutrient Water
    • Raw Pressery’s Alphonso Mango Fruit Drink

    FSSAI noted that certain claims relating to health benefits and disease prevention fall under stricter regulatory oversight and require prior authorisation.

    Consumer complaints trigger additional notices

    The regulator also acted on specific consumer complaints involving food safety and hygiene concerns.

    A notice was issued to Param Dairy Ltd after a complaint on social media alleged fungal contamination in dahi and rabri supplied through IRCTC catering services.

    Separately, FSSAI sent a notice to Bikanervala following allegations that a staff member was consuming food inside a service or kitchen area during operational hours, raising concerns over hygiene practices.

    Regulatory focus on consumer protection

    The latest action forms part of FSSAI’s broader efforts to strengthen compliance with food safety regulations and ensure that consumers receive accurate information about the products they purchase.

    The regulator has repeatedly emphasised that food labels, advertising and marketing claims must be scientifically supported and should not mislead consumers regarding nutritional, health or therapeutic benefits.

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