FSSAI issues notices to food companies and Zepto over misleading claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued multiple show-cause notices to food manufacturers, nutraceutical brands, and quick-commerce platforms regarding misleading health claims and labeling violations.

In one action, the regulator targeted major food manufacturers and a social media influencer for making non-compliant claims about infant nutrition products. These included unsubstantiated assertions regarding immunity, digestion, and brain development. The FSSAI noted that such claims could improperly suggest products are suitable for specific physiological conditions or disease prevention.

Additionally, the quick-commerce platform Zepto received a notice following consumer complaints regarding the delivery of expired gram flour. The regulator has demanded order logs, warehouse tracking, and root-cause analyses from the company.

Other entities facing scrutiny include BMS Lifescience, HealthyHey Foods, and Bakelite Food Processing. Specific violations cited include marketing products with expired registration certificates, making unapproved health claims related to kidney and urinary tract health, and using descriptive terms like ‘creamy’ for products containing no actual cream.