The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Nestlé India and Zydus Wellness over alleged misleading claims in advertisements and on product labels. The regulator has asked both companies to provide scientific evidence supporting their claims within a stipulated period, focusing on specific products including Nestlé's Lactogen Pro 1 Powder and Nan Excella Pro Stage 1, as well as Zydus Wellness's Complan, according to livemint.com.
FSSAI flagged Nestlé India's claim that Lactogen Pro 1 Powder "contains Whey Protein, which is a part of milk protein that is easy to digest," requesting scientific proof to substantiate it. The regulator also raised concerns about Nan Excella Pro Stage 1's claim that "5 HMOs helps support normal immune system," stating that this implied the product could support the immune system, which is restricted unless expressly permitted. Similar scrutiny was applied to the "contains whey protein" claim on Nan Excella Pro Stage 1's packaging and advertising material. Zydus Wellness received a notice over claims made for its Complan product, per livemint.com.
The FSSAI's actions reflect ongoing regulatory efforts to ensure that food product claims comply with standards that prevent misleading consumers, especially regarding health benefits. The regulator's focus on immune system support claims aligns with provisions that restrict claims related to disease prevention or treatment unless specifically approved. This move follows broader scrutiny of health and nutrition claims in India’s food sector, where companies must provide scientific evidence to back promotional statements, reinforcing consumer protection.
Nestlé India and Zydus Wellness have been given deadlines to submit the required scientific documentation to FSSAI. The regulator’s notices mark a critical step in enforcing compliance with advertising and labeling standards under the Food Safety and Standards Act, with further action contingent on the companies’ responses, as reported by livemint.com.