CCPA penalizes United Biscuits for misleading 'wholewheat' labeling claim

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken action against United Biscuits for misleading consumers through false product labeling and marketing practices. The regulator's investigation revealed a significant discrepancy between the product's actual composition and its advertised claims.

According to the CCPA's findings, the biscuits in question contained only 19.5 per cent whole wheat, while refined wheat flour, commonly known as maida, made up 52 per cent of the product. Despite this composition, the manufacturer marketed the item as a wholewheat product, thereby misrepresenting its nutritional profile and primary ingredient to consumers.

The penalty of ₹1 lakh was imposed under consumer protection regulations that mandate transparency in product labeling and advertising. The case highlights the CCPA's ongoing scrutiny of food manufacturers' claims regarding product composition and health-related marketing assertions.

This action underscores the importance of accurate ingredient disclosure in packaged food products, particularly those marketed on the basis of health or nutritional benefits. The regulatory measure is expected to reinforce compliance standards across the biscuit manufacturing industry regarding labeling accuracy and substantiation of claims made to consumers.