FSSAI notice to 14 food brands: 14 food companies under scanner for ‘Healthy’, ‘Organic’ and ‘Zero Maida’ claims
FSSAI notice to 14 food brands: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued show-cause notices to 14 food companies for allegedly using misleading brand names, product descriptions and promotional claims that may give consumers a false impression about the nature or quality of their products.
The action has been taken under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. According to the regulator, several brands were found using terms such as "healthy", "organic", "vegan" and "zero maida" in a manner that could influence consumer decisions without meeting the required regulatory standards.
Among the companies that received notices are Emami Healthy & Tasty, Health Aid, Troovy, The Healthy Factory, Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, Plan B, Neuherbs, Organic Wisdom, Shine Organic, Two Brothers Organic Farms, World of Organic, Storia and Iota Water.
The FSSAI has questioned the use of the word "healthy" in the branding and marketing of products sold by companies, including Emami Healthy & Tasty, Healthy Master and Healthy Choice. The regulator believes such terms may suggest health benefits that have not been officially established.
Plant-based food company Plan B has been asked to explain its use of the label "Plant Based Vegan" on certain products. Authorities said the company did not obtain the necessary approval and endorsement required for products marketed as vegan foods.
Supplement brand Neuherbs has also come under scrutiny for promoting a product under the name "True Vitamin". FSSAI noted that the term is not recognised under existing food regulations and may mislead consumers.
The regulator has also raised objections to products marketed by The Healthy Factory as "Zero Maida". According to the notice, the products contain ingredients such as wheat flour and wheat gluten, making the claim potentially misleading.
Snack manufacturer Troovy has been questioned over the use of the word "healthy" on several chip products. FSSAI said such branding may create an impression that the products offer health advantages beyond what is supported by their ingredients.
Four companies, Organic Wisdom, Shine Organic, Two Brothers Organic Farms and World of Organic, have been accused of using the word "organic" without obtaining the mandatory certifications required under India's organic food regulations. The notices also mention the absence of the Jaivik Bharat logo, which is compulsory for certified organic products.
Beverage company Storia was served a notice over its "Pomegranate Juice" product. The regulator observed that the product contains only a small percentage of pomegranate juice concentrate, while the packaging could lead consumers to believe it is primarily pomegranate juice.
Similarly, Iota Water has been asked to justify its promotional slogan "Feel The Difference", with FSSAI seeking evidence to support the claim.
In a statement shared through its official social media platforms, FSSAI said the notices were issued to prevent consumer deception and to ensure compliance with food labelling and display regulations.
The latest action is part of a wider enforcement drive by the regulator. In recent weeks, FSSAI has also examined complaints involving food and quick-commerce companies, including Nestlé India, KFC, Flipkart, Open Secret and Blinkit, over various product quality and labelling concerns.
The notices have been issued under Section 53 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, which provides for penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh for advertisements that mislead consumers regarding the quality, nature or characteristics of food products. Section 52 of the Act deals with misbranding and misleading labelling and carries penalties of up to Rs 3 lakh.
The companies have been asked to respond to the notices and explain their claims. Depending on the replies submitted, FSSAI may direct changes in packaging, branding or marketing practices. In serious cases, further regulatory action may also be considered.
Food safety experts say the move sends a strong message to the industry that promotional claims must be supported by facts and comply with regulatory requirements. The regulator has also advised consumers to carefully read product labels and verify certifications before purchasing food products marketed as healthy, organic or premium alternatives.
- With inputs from agencies
