Food regulator FSSAI has issued notices to Nestle India and Zydus Wellness over allegedly misleading claims made in advertisements and product labelling, asking the companies to submit scientific evidence supporting the statements.
New Delhi, October 21 — The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Nestle India and Zydus Wellness Products Ltd over what it described as misleading or non-compliant claims on certain food products.
The regulator has asked the companies to provide scientific substantiation for claims used in product labelling and advertising.
In Nestle India’s case, FSSAI flagged claims linked to two products — Lactogen Pro 1 Powder and Nan Excella Pro Stage 1.
For Lactogen Pro 1 Powder, the company had stated that the product contains whey protein, which is part of milk protein and is easy to digest.
FSSAI has asked Nestle India to submit scientific evidence supporting the claim that whey protein is easy to digest.
The company has been directed to provide the required documentation and supporting material within the stipulated period.
The regulator also raised concerns over claims made for Nan Excella Pro Stage 1.
According to FSSAI, the statement “5 HMOs helps support normal immune system” could imply that the product supports a specific physiological function.
The regulator said the claim may not comply with rules that prohibit statements relating to the prevention, treatment, alleviation or cure of diseases, disorders or particular physiological conditions unless such claims are specifically permitted under applicable regulations.
FSSAI also noted the claim “contains whey protein” on the product packaging and advertising material and has sought scientific substantiation for it.
Nestle India has been asked to explain why regulatory action should not be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Separately, FSSAI issued a notice to Zydus Wellness Products Ltd over alleged misleading claims and advertising related to its Complan product.
The action highlights the regulator’s increasing scrutiny of health and nutrition claims used by food companies in advertising and packaging.
Companies making functional or health-related claims are required to ensure that such statements are backed by adequate scientific evidence and comply with food advertising and labelling regulations.
The notices do not by themselves establish wrongdoing, but require the companies to respond to the regulator and substantiate the claims under review.
