Source NDTV profit
In a significant move to tighten food safety regulations, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to eight food brands over misleading trade names and questionable “healthy” claims. The action comes shortly after similar scrutiny of major multinational companies, signaling a broader regulatory push to protect consumers from deceptive marketing practices.
According to officials, the notices were sent after routine inspections and label reviews revealed that several products were being marketed using names and claims that could mislead consumers about their nutritional value. Terms such as “natural,” “immunity-boosting,” “low-fat,” and “sugar-free” were allegedly used without adequate scientific backing or compliance with prescribed labeling standards.
The regulator has expressed concern that such claims can influence consumer choices, especially among health-conscious buyers who rely on packaging information to make informed decisions. In some cases, products branded as “healthy” were found to contain high levels of sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats, contradicting their marketed image.
FSSAI has directed the companies to respond within a specified timeframe, asking them to justify their claims or make necessary corrections to their product labels and marketing materials. Failure to comply could result in penalties, product recalls, or further legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
This crackdown is part of FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency in the food industry and ensure that consumers are not misled by exaggerated or false claims. The authority has also urged food businesses across the country to strictly adhere to labeling guidelines and avoid using ambiguous or unverified terms.
Consumer rights groups have welcomed the move, calling it a step in the right direction toward accountability and better public health awareness. Experts believe that stricter enforcement will encourage companies to adopt more honest marketing practices and improve the overall quality of packaged food products in India.
As FSSAI continues its nationwide inspections, more companies could come under scrutiny in the coming weeks, reinforcing the message that misleading health claims will not be tolerated in the Indian food market.
