FSSAI has flagged questionable bone-strength benefits, maltodextrin in sugar-free claims, Nescafé labelling mismatches and missing regulatory approval for specialised renal nutrition products.
The FSSAI notices to Nestlé India and Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) have raised concerns over alleged misleading food claims, packaging inconsistencies and regulatory violations. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has also drawn attention to products like Horlicks Women’s Plus, Horlicks Mothers Plus, Nescafe ready-to-drink drinks and Nestle Resource Renal nutritional powder among others, with instructions for respective organizations to clarify their non-compliance with relevant food laws.
FSSAI Flags Health Claims on Horlicks Products
The notice regarding HUL’s Horlicks Women’s Plus Chocolate Nutrition Drink, 400g, is indicative of the claims made by HUL with regard to bone strength, bone health and muscle health. As per the FSSAI, claims like “Nutrition for Strong Bones” and “Clinically Proven to Help Improve Bone Strength in 6 Months” have been deemed misleading/non-compliant with relevant regulations.
Futhermore, the regulator queried the "No Added Sugar" claim on the product, as it has maltodextrin. The other claim that has been queried is the one making the product claim to give 100% of RDA of calcium, vitamin D and K2.
There is another separate notice relating to Horlicks Mother’s Plus Kesar, 400g. The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had objection against terms such as “Healthy Birth Weight” and “For baby’s healthy birth weight”, as these statements can be misleading for the consumers. The detailed description about the product containing pregnancy and lactation support, protein, DHA and the absence of added sugars was also challenged.
The deadline for HUL to furnish an answer has been set out. The regulator has made it clear that more will follow if the answer is not satisfactory.
Nestle Faces Nescafe Labeling and Approval Concerns
FSSAI has sent notices to Nestlé India, Schreiber Dynamix Dairies and Lotus Dairy Products regarding Nescafe Ready-To-Drink Beverages such as Intense Cafe Cappuccino, Choco Mocha and Chilled Latte.
There were discrepancies noted between the packaging and the online product descriptions. Although the front labels were saying "Flavored Milk," the rear label classified them as "Proprietary Food - Dairy Based Drinks." E-commerce descriptions also said that they were coffee-flavored milk.
Additionally, Nestle India got a notice about Resource Renal Vanilla Flavour Powder, which was meant to be used by individuals suffering from conservatively managed chronic kidney disease. It was stated that the product did not have the necessary pre-approval according to the 2022 regulations.
The notices emphasize the significance of transparency in the labeling of food products, backed up by scientific evidence and regulatory clearance, especially in the case of diet-specific foods. These notices are part of the regulatory process, with future action depending on the replies of the firms.
Thus, Business Fortune believes that these notices reinforce the need for transparent food labeling, scientifically backed health claims, and strict regulatory compliance.
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