FSSAI Targets Misleading 'Natural', 'Healthy' Labels on Food Products
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its scrutiny of food and nutraceutical products that carry labels such as 'natural', 'healthy', 'heart-friendly' and 'no added sugar'. The regulator has flagged several brands for potentially misleading branding, labelling and advertising.
This action follows recent notices questioning claims like 'healthy', 'organic' and 'zero maida'. The move signals stricter enforcement of regulations governing health and nutrition claims on packaged foods and supplements.
Former FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal said the notices are part of a verification process, not proof of wrongdoing. 'India already has robust claim regulations. Notices are only the first step,' he said. He added that reputational damage often deters companies more than monetary penalties.
Among the flagged products is a mango juice marketed as 'no added sugar' despite listing 49% sugarcane juice as an ingredient. Notices were also issued for '100% natural' claims on instant noodles, 'natural paneer' branding, and health claims by nutraceutical, whey protein and herbal products. A tofu product claiming 'anti-cancer properties' and a cooking oil sold as 'Heart Pro' were also questioned.
Consumer health experts warn that such labels create a false 'health halo' around ultra-processed foods. Dr. Arun Gupta, convener of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest, welcomed the crackdown, saying terms like 'healthy' and 'natural' often make processed foods appear healthier than they are.
Dr. V. Mohan, chairman of Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre in Chennai, noted that 'no added sugar' does not guarantee a product is healthy. Dietician Monita Gahlot of AIIMS advised consumers to look beyond marketing messages.
Separately, FSSAI issued notices to Bikanervala for alleged hygiene lapses and to Param Dairy over complaints of fungal contamination in dairy products supplied through IRCTC catering services.
