New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to two companies, Nestle India and Zydus Wellness, over allegedly misleading claims made about their products.
The regulator has been acting steadily to ensure strict compliance on the claims made for food products and how they are promoted. The notices relate to non-compliant promotions, it is understood.
Claims offering health benefits are among the most closely watched. Food safety experts say such claims, if not backed by evidence, end up misleading consumers.
The FSSAI has sent similar notices to several companies in the past. Under the rules, companies must furnish an explanation within a stipulated time.
A study notes that Indian consumers are now reading product claims more carefully and asking questions, which is putting pressure on companies to be more transparent.
It is not yet clear how the companies have responded to the notices.
The regulator can also take penal action where claims and advertising for food products breach the rules. Consumer groups have sought tighter monitoring of such claims. With demand for health-oriented foods rising, companies face growing pressure to be transparent. Experts say firms should be required to back claims with scientific evidence. Consumers are being advised to read product labels carefully.
Under food safety law, claims made on products must be truthful and backed by evidence. Periodic sample testing by the regulator is part of the process. When consumers complain, the products concerned are investigated. The regulator has made clear that companies which fail to comply can face action.