Crackdown on Misleading Claims: FSSAI Issues Over 150 Notices to Food Companies

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) intensified its enforcement drive against misleading advertisements, false claims and labelling violations and issued more than 150 notices to food and beverage companies in recent months.

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The regulator revealed the matter in a recent social media update; it said more than 150 notices had been issued for misleading advertisements, false claims and non-compliance with food labelling requirements.

The enforcement campaign has been focused on various sectors of the food and beverage industry, and energy drink and alcoholic beverage manufacturers have been the focus. Products have even been seized for alleged violations, they noted.

Companies Named by FSSAI

The regulator has named several of the companies in the list as part of its enforcement exercise. The companies are:

• Nestle India
• PepsiCo,
• Abbott India Ltd,
•  Red Bull India,
• Danone India,
• Monster Energy India Pvt Ltd,
• Hell Energy Pvt Ltd,
• Mondelez India,
• formerly Cadbury India,
• Coca-Cola India,
• Diageo,
• Pernod Ricard,
• Ferrero India,
• Kenvue Inc.

The action shows FSSAI’s scrutiny is not limited to smaller businesses. Large multinational and established Indian brands also come under the regulator’s watch when their advertisements, product claims or labels are found to need corrective action.

E-Commerce Platforms Also Under Scrutiny

FSSAI’s enforcement work has extended beyond food manufacturers and beverage companies.

The regulator said it issued 12 notices to e-commerce companies, including major platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart. The licence of an Amazon warehouse was also cancelled as part of the enforcement action.

In this respect, the regulator has increased its attention to food product sales in online marketplaces, where reliable product information, labelling and compliance are important to consumer safety.

Quick-Service Restaurants Face Action

The crackdown also came to the quick-service restaurant sector.

According to FSSAI, more than 30 notices were issued to operators including McDonald's, Domino's, KFC, Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee.

Several five-star hotels were also issued notices last year concerning food safety and labelling lapses.

The extensive enforcement campaign indicated FSSAI is examining compliance from all sectors of the food ecosystem including manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, online platforms and hospitality businesses.

Crackdown on ‘100%’ Claims

The new disclosure follows FSSAI's earlier action against unsubstantiated “100%” claims used on food packaging.

The regulator’s scrutiny of such claims has already prompted several companies, including Amway, Emami and Bonn Biscuits, to change their product labels.

Food companies are obliged to ensure that the claims made on packaging and in advertisements are not misleading to consumers and comply with applicable regulatory requirements.

Companies Begin Corrective Measures

Many companies have started taking corrective action after getting notices, FSSAI said.

The regulators said the enforcement drive was part of the safety, advertising and labelling regulations that have been reinforced by food safety, advertising and labelling regulations in the industry.

The action also sends a larger message to food and beverage companies that brand reputation or market size does not exempt them from regulatory scrutiny.

The crackdown would bring clarity to product information and greater accountability for claims made on food and beverage packaging to consumers.

With FSSAI continuing its enforcement activities, companies are likely to face greater scrutiny over how they describe their products, communicate health or nutritional benefits, and present information on labels and advertisements.

FSSAI Notice List: Companies named