There is bad news for companies making misleading claims and engaging in incorrect labeling of packaged food. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has begun cracking down on such companies. As part of this initiative, the FSSAI has issued notices to several companies accused of making misleading claims and mislabeling their products, demanding a response within seven days. The FSSAI has asked these companies to explain why legal action should not be taken against them.
The companies that have received notices face various allegations. Lotte India Corporation Private Limited is accused of using outdated pre-printed labels that do not comply with regulations. Meanwhile, Kubera Foods is under scrutiny for claims such as “100% Natural” and “No Preservatives, Colours & Flavours” on its ‘Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple’; these claims violate regulations and could mislead consumers. Additionally, Ferns N Petals Private Limited labeled its ‘Roasted Almond Chocolate’ as “Premium Chocolate,” despite the product containing hydrogenated vegetable fat. Furthermore, the label failed to provide mandatory information regarding whether the fat used was vegetable-based or non-vegetable-based.
Here are the specific allegations against each company:
Lotte India Corporation Private Limited
This company is accused of using outdated pre-printed labels that do not comply with regulations. Additionally, the “100% Vegetarian” claim on certain ‘Choco Pie’ products was found to be misleading. While the nutritional information on ‘Pepero Biscuit Sticks’ was found to be compliant with regulations, the vitamin-related claims on ‘Lolly Bliss Lollipop’ were not. Furthermore, the name and packaging of ‘Fruitz Eclairs’ were deemed likely to mislead consumers. Kubera Foods
Claims such as “100% Natural” and “No Preservatives, Colours & Flavours” were made on the “Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple,” yet the label disclosed the presence of a preservative (INS 282), a synthetic color (INS 110), and flavoring agents. According to the FSSAI, claims like “Pure,” “Fresh,” “Natural,” and “100% Natural” do not comply with regulations and can mislead consumers.
Ferns N Petals Private Limited
The company’s “Roasted Almond Chocolate” was labeled as “Premium Chocolate,” even though the product was found to contain hydrogenated vegetable fat. Furthermore, the label failed to specify whether the fat used was vegetable-based or non-vegetable-based. Information regarding the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) was also missing. Although the packaging featured an image of almonds and the text “Almond Chocolate,” the quantity of almonds used was not mentioned in the ingredients list.
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India; it is an autonomous government body operating under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The organization is responsible for ensuring the quality of food products in the country.
Here are the key functions of FSSAI:
Setting Standards: Formulating science-based rules and guidelines for the manufacture, storage, and sale of food products.
Licensing and Registration: Issuing food licenses to all Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India, whether small or large.
Preventing Adulteration: Curbing food adulteration and the sale of contaminated food to safeguard public health.
Verifying Claims: Ensuring quality by scrutinizing claims made by companies regarding their food products.
Laboratory Testing: Establishing regulations for laboratories and conducting tests on food samples to verify purity.
Creating Awareness: Raising awareness among citizens and traders about food safety and proper nutrition.
