Are We Getting What the Label Promises? FSSAI Issues 150+ Notices Over Misleading Claims

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has issued more than 150 notices to food companies over alleged misleading advertisements, false claims and labelling violations. The action involves major brands including Nestlé India, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola India, Abbott India, Red Bull India, Danone India, Mondelez India and Ferrero India.

The notices do not automatically mean these products are harmful or unsafe for consumption. But they raise an important consumer question: when a product makes a claim on its label or in an advertisement, does it actually deliver what it promises?

The issue is particularly significant because labelling and advertising are often the first things consumers rely on when deciding what to buy.

Major Action Against Food Companies

FSSAI shared details of its recent enforcement action in a social media post. The regulator said several companies had violated food safety and advertising rules through their product claims and labels. It also said products from some companies were seized over violations.

Twelve notices were issued to e-commerce companies, including Amazon and Flipkart, while one Amazon warehouse licence was cancelled.  More than 30 notices were also issued to food service establishments, including KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Domino's and Costa Coffee. Five Domino's licences were suspended.

• 150+ notices issued to food companies over misleading claims and labelling violations.
• 12 notices issued to e-commerce companies, including Amazon and Flipkart.
• 30+ notices issued to food service establishments, with five Domino's licences suspended.
•  FSSAI has also taken action against companies using claims such as “100% pure”, “100% natural” and “healthy”.

Why ‘100%’ and ‘Healthy’ Claims Are Under Scrutiny

The regulator's action has also focused on words such as “100% pure”, “100% natural”, “healthy”, “fresh” and “organic” because such claims can give consumers a wrong impression about a product. Earlier this month, FSSAI directed Dabur to stop selling food products carrying certain “100%” claims, including products such as honey, apple cider vinegar, oils, ghee and coconut-based products. The Delhi High Court later granted the company an interim stay.

In June, FSSAI also issued a show-cause notice to Marico over the “Heart Pro” claim used on its Saffola Total Heart Pro-Multi Source Cooking Oil. The regulator has said that such claims must follow food advertising and labelling rules and should not mislead consumers.

Do FSSAI Notices Mean These Products Are Harmful?

Not necessarily. A notice over misleading claims or labelling violations does not automatically mean a product is unsafe, adulterated or harmful.

Experts say the notices should primarily be viewed as a warning about how food products are presented to consumers, rather than as proof that the products are unsafe. A product may comply with safety standards while still carrying claims that can create an exaggerated impression of its health or nutritional value. 

What Consumers Should Check

Experts said consumers should not assume that a product is healthier simply because its packaging uses words such as “pure”, “natural” or “organic”. Organic food has a specific meaning under Indian regulations and generally relates to how the food is produced, not whether it is low in sugar, fat or calories. Consumers should check the ingredient list, nutrition panel, serving size, FSSAI licence details and certification marks instead of depending only on the claims written on the front of a packet. A product can meet food safety standards and still contain high amounts of sugar, salt or fat.

FSSAI Steps Up Enforcement

The regulator said several companies have already taken corrective action after receiving notices. Some companies have withdrawn or changed misleading claims and labels, while others have recalled claims or delisted products. The action comes as concerns over food labelling continue to grow. The Supreme Court recently questioned FSSAI over delays in taking action on front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods with high levels of sugar, salt and fat. FSSAI has also been pushing food businesses to improve their labelling and advertising practices. The recent notices show that the regulator is now paying greater attention not only to food safety and hygiene but also to what companies tell consumers through advertisements, packaging and health claims.