Baby food products come under govt scanner:Nestle’s shares fall after FSSAI notice on Lactogen; Complan owner Instagram influencer also face heat

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued show-cause notices to major food companies, including Nestlé India and Zydus Wellness, over allegedly misleading health claims and illegal online promotion of infant formula products. FSSAI’s Latest Regulatory Actions FSSAI Questions Nestlé Over Infant Powder Claims The food safety regulator issued notices to Nestlé India Limited regarding two of its infant formula products. For Lactogen Pro 1 Powder, FSSAI noted the advertisement claim that whey protein in the product is “easy to digest”. The regulator has asked Nestlé India to submit scientific evidence and documents to support this claim within a specified period. For NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, the regulator flagged two marketing claims. The claim that “5 HMOs helps support normal immune system” was found to imply that the product can address a specific medical or physiological condition. FSSAI stated that food regulations prohibit claims regarding the prevention, treatment, or cure of diseases unless explicitly permitted. Nestlé has been asked to explain why legal action should not be taken under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. Nestle’s shares fall more than 2% on Thursday: The FMCG juggernaut’s shares fell more than 2% on Thursday to ₹1,187 apiece on the BSE. Nestle responds to govt notice: On Thursday, the FMCG company responded to the food authority’s notice. According to ANI, Nestle spokesperson said “FSSAI’s recent post reiterates the points raised in its earlier post of 18 September regarding product labels. We have already submitted our detailed response to FSSAI on this matter.” Regulatory Action on Social Media Promotions FSSAI also issued notices to multiple pharmaceutical and nutrition companies regarding indirect promotion on social media. The notices were sent to: Nestlé India Limited Abbott Healthcare Private Limited Nutricia International Private Limited Mead Johnson Nutrition (India) Private Limited Ira Fathima (Instagram content creator) An Instagram video posted by content creator Ira Fathima featured a list recommending “Top 5” infant formula products, including Nan-Pro 1, Aptamil Premium 1, Similac Advance 1, Enfamil A+ Stage 1, and Dexolac 1. The promotional post claimed health benefits such as stronger immunity, brain development, and balanced nutrition. FSSAI stated that promoting infant milk substitutes violates the Infant Milk Substitutes Act, 1992, and the FSS Regulations, 2020. All named parties have been directed to show cause within the stipulated period. Zydus Wellness Asked to Prove Complan Growth Claims FSSAI issued a separate notice to Zydus Wellness Products Limited regarding advertisements for its health drink Complan. The regulator pointed out several marketing claims on product packaging and online listings. These included statements such as “2X Faster Growth”, “Supports Concentration and Memory”, “Pro Immunity+ 34 Vital Nutrients”, and “Growth Comes in 4 Flavors”. FSSAI noted that these marketing claims violate the FSS (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. The company has been asked to furnish scientific justification for its claims and explain why action should not be initiated under the FSS Act, 2006. Key Timeline of Regulatory Events Step 1: FSSAI identifies non-compliant claims on packaging and social media platforms. Step 2: Official notices issued to Nestlé India, Zydus Wellness, Abbott, Nutricia, and Mead Johnson. Step 3: Companies required to submit scientific evidence and written responses within the stipulated period.