FSSAI Cracks Down on Food Brands Over Misleading Labels

The Notice: What FSSAI Found

India’s food safety watchdog has moved against some of the country’s most recognised packaged food brands. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, or FSSAI, has issued official notices to companies over what it says are misleading claims on their product labels.

According to multiple reports, the regulator is targeting phrases like ‘no added sugar’, ‘natural’, and other health-related statements that appear on packaging. The FSSAI says these claims may be inaccurate or deceptive, violating the rules under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The notices are not just about the words on the packet. Reports from MSN and Indian Television Dot Com add that the crackdown also covers hygiene and overall safety lapses. This means the FSSAI is looking at more than just marketing language. It is checking whether the products themselves meet basic safety standards.

The regulator has directed the companies to take corrective measures. They must fix the labels and ensure full compliance with consumer protection norms. The deadline for action has not been made public yet, but the message is clear: the FSSAI is serious about cleaning up the packaged food market.

Which Brands Are Affected by FSSAI Misleading Food Labels

The FSSAI has named four well-known brands in its action. According to a report by Storyboard18, the brands that received notices include Raw Pressery, Kinder Joy, Saffola, and Pluckk.

Raw Pressery is a popular cold-pressed juice brand that markets itself as healthy and natural. Kinder Joy is a chocolate-and-toy product aimed at children, made by the global company Ferrero. Saffola is a well-known brand of cooking oils and other food items owned by Marico. Pluckk is a newer brand that sells fresh fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat salads.

Each of these brands has built a reputation around being healthy or natural. That is exactly why the FSSAI’s action matters. If the labels are misleading, consumers who trust these brands could be buying products that do not match what the packaging promises.

It is not clear from the available reports whether other brands are also under scrutiny. But the FSSAI’s move suggests that the regulator is looking at a wide range of products. The notices could be just the beginning of a larger campaign.

Why Accurate Food Label Claims Matter to Consumers

Claims like ‘no added sugar’ and ‘natural’ are not just marketing fluff. They influence what people buy, especially those trying to eat healthier or manage conditions like diabetes.

When a product says ‘no added sugar’, it means no extra sugar was put in during processing. But the product may still contain naturally occurring sugars, like those in fruit juice. If the label is misleading, a person might think the product is sugar-free when it is not.

The term ‘natural’ is even trickier. In India, the FSSAI has specific rules about when a product can be called natural. Generally, it means the ingredients are not processed or changed much. But some companies use the word loosely, making products sound healthier than they really are.

Health claims go a step further. A product might say it ‘boosts immunity’ or ‘helps digestion’ without proper scientific proof. The FSSAI requires that any health claim must be backed by evidence. If not, it is considered misleading.

According to The New Indian Express, the problem goes beyond individual labels. It points to a wider issue in the food industry where companies use clever wording to make products seem better than they are. This can erode consumer trust over time.

Consumer rights groups have often raised concerns about such practices. They argue that the FSSAI’s action is a positive step, but enforcement needs to be consistent and strict. Without regular checks, companies may continue to push the boundaries.

Response from Brands to FSSAI Notices

As of now, none of the brands mentioned has issued a public statement about the FSSAI notices. The reports available do not include any official response from Raw Pressery, Kinder Joy, Saffola, or Pluckk.

It is possible that the companies are reviewing the notices and preparing their replies. The FSSAI typically gives companies a chance to explain their side or correct the issue before taking further action.

In the past, some brands have responded to such notices by changing their labels or issuing clarifications. Others have argued that their claims are accurate and based on proper testing. Without a response from these companies, it is hard to know their position.

The lack of public comment does not mean the companies are ignoring the issue. They may be working behind the scenes to comply. But for consumers, the silence can be worrying. It leaves questions about whether the products are actually safe and correctly labelled.

FSSAI’s Broader Crackdown on Misleading Food Labels

This is not the first time the FSSAI has taken action against misleading labels. Over the past few years, the regulator has tightened its rules on health claims, ‘natural’ labels, and sugar content declarations.

In earlier actions, the FSSAI has gone after brands that used terms like ‘100% fruit juice’ or ‘real fruit’ inaccurately. It has also cracked down on products that claimed to be ‘low fat’ or ‘sugar-free’ when they did not meet the legal definition.

The current notices are part of a broader pattern. The regulator seems to be stepping up enforcement, possibly in response to growing consumer awareness and complaints. Social media has made it easier for people to call out misleading labels, and the FSSAI may be feeling pressure to act.

Indian Television Dot Com reported that hygiene was also part of the crackdown. This suggests the FSSAI is looking at the whole picture: not just what the label says, but also how the product is made and handled.

The Food Safety and Standards Act gives the FSSAI the power to issue fines, order product recalls, and even file criminal charges in serious cases. So far, the action has been limited to notices, but it could escalate if companies do not comply.

What This Means for Consumers Reading Food Labels

For the average shopper, this news is a reminder to read product labels carefully. Just because a package says ‘natural’ or ‘no added sugar’ does not mean it is automatically healthy.

Consumers should look beyond the front of the packet. The ingredient list and nutritional information panel tell the real story. If a product claims ‘no added sugar’, check if it contains fruit juice concentrate or other sweeteners that count as added sugar under FSSAI rules.

The FSSAI’s action also means that brands may start being more honest. If the regulator follows through, companies will have to back up their claims with evidence or remove them. This could lead to clearer, more truthful labels across the industry.

However, consumer rights groups say that the FSSAI needs to do more than just send notices. They want regular inspections, random testing, and strict penalties for repeat offenders. Without that, some companies may continue to take shortcuts.

International labelling regulations vary, but many countries have strict rules. For example, in the European Union, health claims must be approved by the European Food Safety Authority. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration regulates terms like ‘natural’ and ‘healthy’. India’s rules are similar in many ways, but enforcement has often been weaker. This crackdown could be a sign that things are changing.

Next Steps for Companies Facing FSSAI Scrutiny

The FSSAI has told the affected brands to take corrective measures. That means they need to change their labels if they are misleading, or provide proof that their claims are accurate.

If the companies fail to comply, the FSSAI could take further action. This might include fines, a ban on selling the product, or even a public warning. The regulator has the authority to issue orders that can stop a product from being sold until the label is fixed.

For the brands involved, the stakes are high. Raw Pressery, Kinder Joy, Saffola, and Pluckk all rely on consumer trust. A public dispute with the food regulator could damage their reputation and hurt sales.

It is likely that the companies will respond quickly to avoid any negative fallout. They may issue statements explaining their position, or quietly change their labels to meet FSSAI standards.

The broader industry is watching closely. If the FSSAI takes strong action against these well-known brands, other companies will take notice. It could lead to a widespread review of labels across the packaged food sector.

For now, the ball is in the companies’ court. They have received the notices. The next move is theirs. And consumers will be watching to see if the labels on their favourite snacks and drinks start to tell a more honest story.