FSSAI slaps notice on Nestle India over promotional claims on infants products; stocks drop by 4 %
According to a legal notice, the products under scrutiny are NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, Lactogen Pro 1 and a follow-up formula manufactured by Nestle India.
PTC News Desk: India’s food regulator FSSAI has started action against Nestle India Limited over alleged violations involving three infant nutrition products.
According to a legal notice, the products under scrutiny are NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, Lactogen Pro 1 and a follow-up formula manufactured by Nestle India.
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) examined the products and their promotional material listed on e-commerce platforms. The regulator raised concerns about certain promotional claims and also found an issue with the nutritional composition of one follow-up formula sample.
However, the action does not mean that the Nestle products have been banned. The notice relates to adjudication proceedings over alleged regulatory violations. Starting these proceedings also does not mean that all batches of the products are unsafe.
The final decision will depend on the findings of the competent authority during the adjudication process.
What was flagged in NAN Excella Pro Stage 1?
According to the notice, promotional material for NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 carried claims related to “5 HMOs” and “Whey Protein.”
FSSAI sought an explanation from Nestle India about these claims. The regulator later stated that the product was in violation of Regulation 4(2) of the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
What Was fagged in Lactogen Pro 1?
FSSAI also examined promotional material for Lactogen Pro 1.
The material reportedly described whey protein as being easy to digest. The regulator sought clarification from Nestle India and later stated that the product also violated Regulation 4(2) of the 2020 regulations.
The regulation places restrictions on promotional practices for foods meant for infants.
Why are promotional claims restricted ?
Infant nutrition products are subject to strict regulations because they are meant for babies during an important stage of their development.
Indian rules restrict advertising and promotional activities for infant foods to ensure that marketing does not influence decisions about infant feeding.
The FSSAI notice also refers to the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992.
The law places restrictions on the advertising and promotion of infant milk substitutes and certain infant foods.
How many cases are filed against Nestle India
The notice says that three separate adjudication cases have been filed against Nestle India Limited in connection with the three products.
Two cases relate to alleged violations involving promotional claims, while the third concerns a laboratory finding related to the biotin content of a follow-up formula.
These cases are part of the adjudication process. The alleged violations will be examined by the relevant authority before any final action or penalty is decided.