Why FSSAI Banned FOLINEURO Syrup and TRUE VITAMIN

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the sale of FOLINEURO Syrup and Neuherbs TRUE VITAMIN after finding that both products made misleading claims that could confuse consumers. The food regulator said it has taken strict action against several food business operators (FBOs) for violating food safety, labelling and advertising rules. The action includes prohibition orders, licence suspension and legal action to protect consumers.

Why FOLINEURO Syrup Was Banned

FSSAI issued a prohibition order against Vatave Health Care, the company behind FOLINEURO Syrup. According to the regulator, the product name "FOLINEURO" and the brain image printed on the bottle gave the impression that the syrup could improve brain and nerve health. However, FSSAI said there was no approved claim supporting this. The regulator also found that the product was wrongly labelled as a "Nutritional Food Supplement," a category that does not exist under India's food regulations.

Reasons for the ban:

• The product name suggested benefits for the brain and nervous system.
• The brain image on the label could mislead buyers.
• It was placed under a food supplement category that is not recognised by FSSAI.
• The product did not meet the required provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

What Was the Syrup Used For?

FOLINEURO Syrup contained folinic acid, a form of vitamin B9 that is generally used as a nutritional supplement to help people with folate deficiency and certain medical conditions when advised by a doctor. However, FSSAI clarified that the product cannot be marketed as a brain or neurological health product without proper approval and scientific evidence. Because of the misleading branding, the regulator ordered the company to immediately stop manufacturing, storing, transporting, distributing, marketing and selling the syrup. It warned that any violation of the order could lead to strict legal action.

Action Against Neuherbs TRUE VITAMIN

In another action, FSSAI banned the sale of Neuherbs TRUE VITAMIN, marketed by Global Healthfit Retail India Private Limited. The regulator said the product's name "TRUE VITAMIN" could mislead consumers because it is not recognised under existing food regulations. FSSAI directed the company to stop selling the product immediately, remove all misleading claims from its labels and advertisements, and submit an Action Taken Report within 30 days. The regulator said further action would be taken if the company fails to follow the order.