FSSAI Issues 150 Notices to Food Companies for Misleading Ads, False Claims
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued 150 notices to food companies, including major brands such as Nestle India, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola India, for misleading advertisements, false claims, and non-compliance with labelling regulations. The enforcement action, carried out over recent months, targets food business operators (FBOs) across the country.
Among the companies named by the regulator are Abbott India Ltd, Red Bull India, Danone India, Monster Energy India Pvt Ltd, Hell Energy Pvt Ltd, Mondelez India, Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Ferrero India, and Kenvue Inc. The notices cover a range of violations, from unsubstantiated health benefit claims to missing or incorrect label information required under Indian food laws.
The FSSAI has also taken action against e-commerce and food service sectors. Twelve notices have been sent to online platforms Amazon and Flipkart, and one Amazon warehouse license has been cancelled. In the food service segment, more than 30 notices have been issued to chains including KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Domino's, and Costa Coffee. The suspension of five Domino's licenses has been confirmed. Additionally, the regulator said it has seized products from several companies due to violations.
These measures are part of the FSSAI's mandate under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which empowers it to regulate the manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food products. The regulator is tasked with ensuring that food labels and advertisements do not mislead consumers. Last year, it also issued notices to several five-star hotels for similar non-compliances. Under the Act, the FSSAI can issue improvement notices, requiring businesses to correct deficiencies within a specified period.
Common issues found during inspections include products carrying claims like “natural” or “healthy” without scientific substantiation, missing allergen declarations, and improper use of the FSSAI logo. Such practices can lead to consumer confusion and undermine trust in the food supply chain.
The recent notices are not isolated incidents. The FSSAI has been increasingly active in its surveillance of food businesses, conducting regular inspections and reviewing advertising claims. The regulator's actions are intended not only to penalise wrongdoers but also to deter other companies from engaging in such practices.
According to the FSSAI, several companies have begun taking corrective actions after receiving the notices. Food business operators have the opportunity to respond and rectify their practices before further penalties are considered. Under the law, violations can attract fines, and licenses may be suspended or cancelled in serious cases.
Accurate labelling is crucial for consumers, especially for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. The FSSAI has encouraged consumers to verify product labels and report any discrepancies to the authorities. The regulator continues to monitor the market and has indicated that it will share updates on its enforcement activities.
The action underscores the FSSAI's commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that food products marketed in India meet safety and quality standards. It also serves as a reminder to multinational companies that they must comply with local regulations even if their global marketing practices differ.
