Now Reading: FSSAI issues notices to food brands over misleading health claims
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FSSAI issues notices to food brands over misleading health claims
India's food regulator has sent notices to multiple brands in the past month, questioning front-of-pack claims such as '100% natural', 'organic', 'heart-friendly' and 'high protein', the Times of India reports. The products…
The Story in Brief
India's food regulator has sent notices to multiple brands in the past month, questioning front-of-pack claims such as '100% natural', 'organic', 'heart-friendly' and 'high protein', the Times of India reports. The products under scrutiny include breads, chocolates, juices, cooking oils and supplements. Since these are preliminary notices, the outcome depends on company replies and further regulatory examination.
In a separate interview with Times Now Digital, former FSSAI director Pradip Chakraborty said sellers are liable for expired products under Section 27 of the FSS Act, 2006. He urged consumers to report violations on the FSSAI portal and noted that penalties for misleading advertisements can go up to Rs 10 lakh. FSSAI has banned terms like '100% pure' and 'sudh' on labels.
The Indian Opinion
The front of a packet is now advertising, not information. The 'health halo' narrative, that a single positive word makes a product healthy, benefits marketers but misleads buyers. Yet consumers too chase quick shortcuts to wellness, treating 'high protein' labels as dietary advice. The real test will be FSSAI's final rulings on these notices. Will penalties be tied to a company's commercial gain, or remain a minor cost of doing business? Turn the packet over before buying.
Sources (2): timesnownews.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
