FSSAI Takes Action Against Nestle, HUL Over Labelling Violations

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has flagged serious labelling discrepancies at two major FMCG companies, pointing to systematic issues in how popular drinks are categorized and marketed to consumers. Nestle faces scrutiny over its Nescafe range, where products have been labeled both as "Flavoured Milk" and "Proprietary Food" without clear justification or consistency, raising questions about product classification standards. The regulatory action underscores concerns that such inconsistencies could mislead consumers about the actual nature and nutritional composition of the beverages they purchase.

Hindustan Unilever Limited's Horlicks brand has drawn separate action from the regulator for health-related claims that lack adequate scientific substantiation. The flagged assertions include bone-health benefits and claims of "no added sugar" that the FSSAI determined were not sufficiently supported by evidence. These labelling violations fall under the Food Safety and Standards Act, which mandates strict compliance with permitted claims and accurate product categorization.

The enforcement actions reflect the FSSAI's ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance with labelling regulations across the food and beverage sector. Such violations can compromise consumer confidence and undermine fair competition in the market. Both companies are expected to respond to the regulator's findings and implement corrective measures to align their product labelling with established standards.

The cases highlight persistent challenges in the Indian food industry regarding adherence to labelling norms, particularly among established players with significant market presence. Regulatory bodies have emphasized that accurate labelling is essential for protecting consumer rights and ensuring informed purchasing decisions.