FSSAI issues notices to Nestle India, HUL over misleading claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Nestle India and Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) over misleading claims and non-compliance on packaging of food products. In a social media post on Saturday (17 October 2026), the regulator flagged claims on HUL's Horlicks Women's Plus Chocolate Nutrition Drink, including 'Nutrition for Strong Bones' and 'Clinically Proven to Help Improve Bone Strength in 6 Months', as misleading. The claim of 'No Added Sugar' was also questioned due to the presence of maltodextrin in the product.

Separately, FSSAI flagged HUL's Horlicks Mother's Plus Kesar for the claim 'Healthy Birth Weight', saying it contravenes regulations. On Nestle India, the regulator flagged inconsistencies in its Nescafe Ready-to-Drink products, where packaging described the items as 'Flavoured Milk' on the front but 'Proprietary Food – Dairy Based Drink' on the back. The regulator also said Nestle's Resource Renal Vanilla Flavour Powder, meant for dietary management of chronic kidney disease, lacked prior approval and did not state vegetarian or non-vegetarian status.

HUL said in an emailed response that its products comply with all requirements and that it will share 'scientific and regulatory evidence' with authorities. Nestle India did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Sunday (18 October 2026). FSSAI has directed both companies to submit responses within the stipulated period and warned of further action if replies are not satisfactory.