Health & Lifestyle
FSSAI Tightens Oversight of ‘Healthy’ Product Labelling
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has served notices to eight food business operators for allegedly using misleading brand names, trade names, and product claims in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The regulator said the action aims to protect consumers from deceptive marketing practices.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Sunday issued notices to eight food business operators for allegedly using misleading brand names, trade names, and product claims in contravention of the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The food regulator announced the enforcement action through its official social media platforms, reiterating its commitment to ensuring transparency in food labelling and preventing consumers from being misled by marketing practices.
The companies that received notices are:
- Emami Healthy & Tasty
- Health Aid
- Troovy
- The Healthy Factory
- Healthy Master
- Healthy Choice
- Plan B
- Neuherbs
According to the FSSAI, the notices were issued over concerns that certain names and claims used by these businesses could potentially create a misleading impression among consumers regarding the health benefits, nutritional value, or characteristics of their products.
Focus on Consumer Protection
The regulator’s action is aimed at strengthening compliance with food safety and labelling norms designed to safeguard consumer interests.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, food business operators are required to ensure that:
- Product labels and advertisements are truthful and not deceptive,
- Claims made about nutritional or health benefits are scientifically substantiated,
- Brand names and trade descriptions do not mislead consumers about the nature or quality of the product,
- Marketing practices adhere to prescribed regulatory standards.
Misleading representations can influence purchasing decisions and may result in consumers forming inaccurate perceptions about a product’s health profile.
Regulatory Oversight Intensifies
The latest notices reflect FSSAI’s increasing focus on monitoring food packaging, advertising, and promotional claims amid the growing popularity of products marketed as “healthy” alternatives.
The authority has, in recent years, intensified scrutiny of claims relating to immunity enhancement, weight management, nutritional superiority, and wellness benefits to ensure that businesses do not exploit consumer trust.
Opportunity to Respond
Issuance of notices does not automatically imply guilt. The concerned companies are expected to submit explanations or clarifications to the regulator regarding the alleged violations.
Depending on the responses received and the outcome of the examination, the FSSAI may decide on further action as permitted under the law.
Importance of Accurate Labelling
Food safety experts have consistently emphasised the need for clear and accurate labelling, particularly as consumers increasingly seek healthier food options and rely on packaging information to make informed choices.
The regulator’s move underscores the importance of responsible marketing practices and reinforces the principle that health-related claims must be backed by evidence and comply with statutory requirements.
FSSAI’s latest action is expected to encourage greater diligence among food businesses and strengthen consumer confidence in the country’s food regulatory framework.