GUWAHATI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Wednesday, July 8, issued show-cause notices to multiple food brands over alleged misleading advertising claims and labelling violations involving packaged food products.
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The companies have been directed to explain within seven days why action should not be initiated against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
FSSAI issued a notice to Kubera Foods over claims made on its Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple.
According to the regulator, the product's front label claimed "100% Natural" and "No Preservatives, Colours & Flavours", even though the ingredient list mentioned Preservative (INS 282), Synthetic Food Colour (INS 110), and added flavouring substances.
FSSAI also said the use of terms such as "Pure", "Fresh", and "Natural" violated provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising & Claims) Regulations.
The regulator also served a notice to Lotte India Corporation Private Limited over alleged non-compliant pre-printed labels and misleading product claims across several products.
According to FSSAI, Lotte India used outdated labels without approval and made several misleading claims. It also flagged incorrect vegetarian claims, improper nutrition labelling, non-compliant vitamin claims, and product names that could mislead consumers.
FSSAI has also issued a notice to Ferns N Petals Private Limited over alleged misleading claims and labelling violations related to its Roasted Almond Chocolate.
According to the regulator, the product was marketed as "Premium Chocolate" despite containing hydrogenated vegetable fat, lacked mandatory declarations, did not provide the required %RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) information, and failed to disclose the percentage of almonds in the ingredient list.
All three companies have been asked to submit their explanations within seven days. Based on their responses, FSSAI will decide whether further action should be initiated under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the relevant Rules and Regulations.