New Delhi, June 19 (IANS): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to several food business operators (FBOs), including Marico, Ferrero India and Bikanervala, over alleged violations related to misleading product claims, branding, labelling practices and consumer complaints. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the regulator said the notices were issued under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, concerning misleading brand names, trade names, product claims, labelling violations and other consumer grievances. According to FSSAI, several products were found to contain claims that could potentially mislead consumers or violate the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. Among the companies flagged was Pluckk, whose mango fruit juice carrying a “No Added Sugar” claim reportedly listed mango pulp and sugar cane juice among its ingredients. The regulator also questioned the use of the term “Natural Paneer” on a paneer product, stating that it did not comply with rules governing the use of the word “natural” for composite foods. Other companies that received notices include Gaur Healthy Food, MasterChow Foods Pvt Ltd, Ferrero India and Marico Ltd over various branding, ingredient and health-related claims.
FSSAI also raised concerns over claims made by Medizen Labs, Nexa Industries, Raw Pressery and certain nutraceutical products, stating that several health and performance-related assertions either lacked scientific substantiation or were not permitted under existing regulations. Separately, notices were issued to Bikanervala and Param Dairy Limited following consumer complaints. Bikanervala was asked to respond to allegations of hygiene lapses after a complaint claimed a staff member was consuming food inside a service or kitchen area during operational hours. The company has been directed to provide details of its internal investigation, standard operating procedures and corrective measures. Param Dairy Limited received a notice over allegations of fungal contamination in dairy products supplied through IRCTC catering services and has been asked to furnish details regarding product supply, inventory management and corrective actions taken. FSSAI said all concerned food business operators have been directed to implement appropriate corrective measures and ensure compliance with applicable food safety, advertising and labelling regulations.