FSSAI has directed food companies across India to stop using absolute purity and natural claims such as “100% Pure” and “100% Natural” on product labels and advertisements unless they can be fully justified, aiming to prevent misleading marketing and improve consumer transparency. Key Highlights News Story New Delhi, August 6: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued fresh directions to food manufacturers and brands, cautioning them against using misleading claims such as “100% Pure,” “100% Natural,” and “100% Purity Guaranteed” on product packaging and promotional material without adequate scientific or regulatory justification. The food regulator stated that such absolute claims can create a false perception among consumers regarding a product’s quality, composition, or safety. Companies have been advised to ensure that all advertising, packaging, and labeling accurately reflect the product and fully comply with the Food Safety and Standards regulations. According to FSSAI, the move is part of a broader effort to strengthen consumer protection by preventing deceptive marketing practices in the food and beverage sector. The authority has emphasized that manufacturers should avoid exaggerated or unverifiable claims that may influence purchasing decisions unfairly. The latest advisory follows a series of enforcement actions by FSSAI against food and beverage companies over quality violations and non-compliance with food safety standards. The regulator has reiterated that businesses must maintain transparency in product labeling while ensuring that promotional statements are supported by evidence wherever required under existing regulations. Industry experts believe the stricter approach will encourage greater accountability among food manufacturers and help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions based on factual product information rather than marketing slogans.
FSSAI Tightens Food Safety
FSSAI intensified enforcement across India by suspending a packaged drinking water manufacturer’s licence over severe hygiene lapses, restricting a health supplement company’s product sales, and warning food businesses against misleading purity claims to strengthen consumer safety. Key Highlights News Story New Delhi, August 6: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its enforcement drive against food safety violations by suspending the licence of Tripura-based Matri Drinking Water after an inspection revealed multiple hygiene lapses and quality concerns in its packaged drinking water facility. According to FSSAI, the action followed complaints regarding foreign particles in packaged drinking water. During the inspection, officials reportedly found several serious violations, including rusted RO tanks, corroded chemical dosing containers, poor sanitation standards, and inadequate cleaning of water processing and filling equipment. Products were also allegedly stored on the floor alongside non-food items, increasing the risk of contamination. Based on these findings, the food safety regulator suspended the company’s licence with immediate effect, citing concerns over consumer health and product safety. In a separate enforcement action, FSSAI also prohibited Punjab-based Noble Healthcare, located in Mohali, from selling a batch of its health supplement products following regulatory concerns. The regulator has simultaneously tightened its stance against misleading product claims. FSSAI has instructed food and beverage companies not to use marketing statements such as “100% Pure,” “100% Natural,” or “100% Purity Guaranteed” on packaging and advertisements unless they can be fully substantiated under applicable food regulations. The authority said such claims may mislead consumers and create false perceptions about product quality. The latest actions are part of FSSAI’s broader campaign to strengthen food safety standards, improve manufacturing hygiene, enhance transparency in product labeling, and protect consumers from unsafe or misleading food products. Consumers are also advised to purchase packaged drinking water only from licensed manufacturers and carefully verify packaging details before consumption.
RBI Targets Polymer Notes
The Reserve Bank of India plans to introduce India’s first polymer currency notes at the beginning of the next financial year. The pilot project aims to improve note durability, strengthen security against counterfeiting and reduce long-term currency management costs. Key Highlights News Story The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced plans to introduce India’s first polymer currency notes at the beginning of the next financial year, marking a significant step toward modernising the country’s currency management system. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the initiative is currently in the pilot stage and will initially focus on lower denomination notes, particularly ₹10 and ₹20, which experience the highest circulation and wear. The central bank will evaluate the performance of polymer notes under Indian climatic and operational conditions before deciding on wider adoption. According to the RBI, polymer notes offer significantly higher durability than conventional paper currency and can remain in circulation for two to four times longer. Their longer lifespan is expected to reduce replacement costs while improving the efficiency of currency management. Apart from durability, polymer notes provide stronger security features that make them more resistant to counterfeiting. The RBI believes the new substrate can enhance the integrity of India’s currency system while lowering long-term expenditure on printing replacement notes. The government has already authorised the printing of up to two billion polymer banknotes for field trials. During the pilot phase, both paper and polymer currency will continue to circulate as legal tender, with no immediate plans to replace existing paper notes completely. The RBI has also initiated the procurement process for advanced polymer substrates equipped with modern security features through its currency printing subsidiary. The move comes as the central bank continues efforts to improve currency quality, reduce counterfeit circulation and enhance the sustainability of India’s cash management infrastructure.
Noble Healthcare Sales Halted
FSSAI inspectors examining health supplement products inside a modern pharmaceutical manufacturing facility during a regulatory compliance inspection.
FSSAI Suspends Water Licence
FSSAI officials inspecting a packaged drinking water plant with rusted RO equipment and unhygienic production conditions leading to licence suspension.
FSSAI Suspends Water Licence
Food safety inspectors examine rusted RO tanks and unhygienic conditions inside a packaged drinking water factory after FSSAI suspended the licence over serious safety violations.
Maharashtra Bans Analog Paneer
Food safety inspectors examine paneer samples in a processing facility after Maharashtra banned the manufacture and sale of analog paneer following failed safety tests.
India Gets Polymer Notes
RBI officials inspect India’s new polymer ₹10 and ₹20 banknotes at the Reserve Bank headquarters as the country prepares to launch durable plastic currency under a pilot project.
AlcoBev Firms Challenge FSSAI
Food safety officials inspect alcoholic beverage labels as liquor companies challenge FSSAI notices over flavour regulations in Indian courts.
RBI Plans Polymer Notes
Reserve Bank of India headquarters with banking officials examining new polymer currency notes, highlighting the RBI’s plan to introduce longer-lasting banknotes in India.
