FSSAI cracks down on Nestle, HUL for misleading product claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken action against two major fast-moving consumer goods companies for violating regulations governing food product claims. The regulator issued notices to Nestle India and Hindustan Unilever Ltd on Saturday, citing misleading claims and non-compliances on product packaging.

Hindustan Unilever faces scrutiny over claims made on its Horlicks Women's Plus Chocolate Nutrition Drink 400g variant. The FSSAI identified multiple problematic assertions, including "Nutrition for Strong Bones," "Clinically Proven to Help Improve Bone Strength in 6 Months," and "Improves Bone Health." These claims were deemed either misleading or in violation of applicable food safety regulations. Additionally, the regulator flagged the company's use of the term "Healthy Muscles" as contravening provisions governing permissible health-related terminology on food products.

The authority also questioned HUL's "No Added Sugar" claim on the same product, finding it misleading given the presence of maltodextrin as an ingredient. The notice against Nestle India addressed similar concerns regarding unsubstantiated product claims, though specific details remain under review.

The FSSAI's action underscores growing regulatory attention to misleading marketing practices in India's packaged food sector, particularly regarding health and nutritional claims that may influence consumer purchasing decisions.