FSSAI acts against Bengaluru firm over misbranded, expired infant food

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Thursday initiated strict enforcement action against British Lifesciences Private Limited in Bengaluru, Karnataka, after an inspection found misbranded and expired infant food products.

The action was part of an enforcement drive focused on ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of infant food products, particularly those intended for infants and young children.

“Strict regulatory measures were taken against British Lifesciences Private Limited, Bengaluru, following food safety inspections of infant food products. Substantial quantity of misbranded infant food was seized. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the FBO,” FSSAI said.

During the inspection, FSSAI officials identified and seized a substantial quantity of misbranded infant food products under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Given the serious nature of the violations and the potential health risks associated with non-compliant infant food products, the food business operator (FBO) is facing legal proceedings, the regulator said.

“During the inspection, a significant quantity of misbranded infant food articles was identified and seized in accordance with the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006,” FSSAI said.

“Considering the serious nature of the violations and the potential risk posed by non-compliant infant food products to infants and young children, appropriate legal proceedings were initiated against the FBO,” it added.

The enforcement action also covered a large quantity of expired infant food stock. According to FSSAI, 3.7 metric tonnes of expired infant food articles were ordered to be destroyed in accordance with the directions of the court.

The expired stock was subsequently disposed of safely to ensure that it could not be reused, diverted or reintroduced into the food chain.

FSSAI said the action underscored its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of infants and young children.

The enforcement drive comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny of food products, with particular emphasis on ensuring that infant food available in the market meets prescribed safety, quality and labelling requirements.

With IANS inputs