FSSAI pulls up Nestle India, HUL over product claims; cancels licence of Bala Ji Food Products
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued show-cause notices to FMCG majors Nestle India and Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) over alleged misleading claims and regulatory violations involving selected nutrition products. The regulator has also cancelled the licence of Bala Ji Food Products following serious food safety lapses.
In a notice to Nestle India, FSSAI flagged the company’s Resource Renal Vanilla Flavour Powder, marketed for the dietary management of people with conservatively treated chronic kidney disease. The regulator said the product required prior approval under the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, and Prebiotic and Probiotic Food) Regulations, 2022, but the company had not obtained it.
FSSAI also found that the product label did not display the mandatory vegetarian or non-vegetarian mark, violating labelling norms. The company has been asked to explain the alleged lapses within the stipulated period, failing which further action may be initiated under food safety laws.
The regulator issued two notices to HUL over its Horlicks products. Regarding Horlicks Mother’s Plus Kesar 400 g BIB, FSSAI said the claims “Healthy Birth Weight” on the label and “For baby’s healthy birth weight” in advertisements were potentially misleading and contravened the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.
The regulator also objected to certain promotional descriptions used for the product on e-commerce platforms and sought an explanation from the company.
In a separate notice on Horlicks Women’s Plus Chocolate Nutrition Drink 400 g, FSSAI flagged claims including “Nutrition for Strong Bones”, “Clinically Proven to Help Improve Bone Strength in 6 Months” and “Improves Bone Health” as misleading or non-compliant with applicable norms.
FSSAI further questioned the use of “Healthy Muscles”, saying it violated provisions governing the use of the word “healthy” in food claims. It also said the “No Added Sugar” claim was potentially misleading because the product contained maltodextrin.
The regulator additionally pointed out deficiencies in the nutritional information table and said the claim of “100 per cent RDA of Calcium, Vitamin D and K2” did not meet applicable food safety requirements. HUL has been directed to respond to both notices within the prescribed timeframe.
FSSAI said relevant licensing authorities and e-commerce platforms have also been asked to take action in accordance with food safety laws.
In a separate enforcement action, the regulator cancelled the licence of Bala Ji Food Products with immediate effect. FSSAI said the licence had earlier been suspended after inspections found serious violations of food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards that posed risks to public health.
The company was given an opportunity for a personal hearing, but its explanation was found unsatisfactory and the deficiencies remained unaddressed. Following the cancellation, Bala Ji Food Products has been directed to immediately stop all manufacturing, processing, packaging and distribution activities.
(Inputs from IANS)