India food regulators launch widespread enforcement against Nestlé and local eateries

Food safety regulators in India have launched extensive enforcement actions against various food businesses and manufacturers. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated legal proceedings against Nestlé India regarding its infant nutrition products, specifically NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1. The regulator cited non-compliant promotional claims and a sub-standard biotin level in a follow-up formula.

In Maharashtra, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified inspections ahead of the festive season, resulting in numerous license suspensions. Notable actions include the suspension of the 108-year-old Olympia Coffee House in Mumbai due to severe hygiene breaches, such as a urinal in the food storage area and pest infestations. Other establishments, including Ganesh Products Private Limited and several eateries in Hyderabad, also faced license suspensions following findings of unsanitary conditions, rodent infestations, and the use of expired products.

Additionally, the FDA has targeted quick-commerce facilities, such as Blinkit, for hygiene and storage deficiencies. In a separate regulatory move, the FSSAI has expanded the jurisdiction of Central Food Safety Officers to include 14 major airports across India. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra FDA has also issued show-cause notices to several high-profile actors for the surrogate promotion of banned products.