14 food brands get FSSAI notice on misleading claims:Authority finds mango pulp, sugarcane content in fruit juice claiming ‘No Added Sugar’

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to 14 food brands. These notices have been sent due to false claims, violation of labeling rules, and customer complaints. FSSAI has directed all these companies to take immediate corrective measures. 1. Pluck Mango Fruit Juice This product’s packet claimed “No Added Sugar”. However, when its ingredient list was examined, it was found to contain 51% mango pulp and 49% sugarcane juice. 2. Natural Paneer This brand had used the name “Natural Paneer” on its packaging. FSSAI found in its investigation that this name violates the rules of Schedule V of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2018. 3. Gaur Healthy Food – Silken Tofu The tagline “100% Veg” was being used on this product. Additionally, misleading claims of being “Rich in Vitamins” were made on the packet without declaring any precise value or quantity, and prohibited therapeutic claims like “Anti-cancer properties” were also written. 4. Masterchef Foods – Ramen Noodles The company was using words like “100% Natural” and “Freshly Made” on the packaging of this product. It was promoted in the market as being made from “High-Quality Organic Flour”, whereas the ingredient list revealed it was conventional “Premium Quality White Flour” (maida). 5. Ferrero India Private Limited – Kinder Joy The product packet claimed “Rich in Milk Solids”. According to the notice, the composition of ingredients used in the product does not confirm that the milk solids portion is the most main or predominant component in this confectionery item. 6. Medizen Labs’ Atom PWR Whey XL Action has been taken against this whey protein product for making misleading claims such as “Pure and Healthy” and “100% Authentic”. Additionally, no scientific evidence was found to support the benefits mentioned in the advertisement, such as “Easy Digest” and “Rapid Recovery”. 7. Saffola Total Heart Pro Cooking Oil The advertisement and packaging of this oil used words and visuals like “Heart Pro”, which indicate heart health benefits without any authorization. Scientific evidence has also been demanded from the company for claims written on the packaging such as “Good Fats Balance” and “Losorb”. 8. Orville – Mountain Bawarchi Buransh Squash The label of this product did not include the mandatory declaration of the percentage of Buransh pulp which is required under regulations. Unauthorized medicinal claims were also found written on the packaging. 9. Nexa Industries – Alkaline Nutrient Water Under Indian food safety regulations, no brand name or category called “Alkaline Nutrient Water” is standardized. Additionally, unauthorized health benefit claims were displayed on the product without any approval. 10. Raw Pressery – Alphonso Mango Fruit Drink The front label of this drink states that it contains natural sugar. However, when the list on the back was examined, fructose was found to be separately included as ‘added sugar’. 11. Insipro Gold Powder Vanilla This nutraceutical product claimed to contain 100% hydrolyzed whey protein, neuro nutrients and probiotic content. FSSAI found all these claims to be questionable. 12. Himalayan Organics Korean Ginseng The claim made through this supplement to “support energy and performance” was deemed misleading by the regulatory body. FSSAI also found that the suggested serving size (dosage amount) of this supplement was significantly higher than the prescribed ingredient limits. 13. Bikanervala FSSAI has issued a notice to Bikanervala following a complaint received on social media regarding hygiene standards. The complaint alleged that during the shop’s operating hours, an employee was eating food inside the kitchen or service area itself. The regulator has asked the company to investigate this matter, present their hygiene-related SOPs for employees, outline the corrective actions taken, and submit an ‘Action Taken Report’. 14. Param Dairy Limited The company has come under investigation after customer complaints of fungus in Param Dairy’s curd and rabri products supplied through IRCTC Catering Services. The regulator has directed the company to provide complete information about its product sourcing and inventory management methods, so that the sale of expired goods in the market can be prevented. Knowledge Part: What is FSS Act, 2006 and Consumer Rights? Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), 2006 is the main law that determines the quality and safety of food items sold in India. Under this, no company can mislead customers for its own benefit. If a brand writes something on the front of the packaging and something else appears in the ingredients on the back, then customers can file a complaint about it. There is a provision for imposing heavy fines on companies and even canceling their licenses if violations of rules are found.