Govt sends fresh notices to food companies:Finds Lottee Choco pies 100% vegetarian claim to be misleading

The national food regulator Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to companies like Lotte India, Ferns N Petals and Kubera Foods for misleading claims and violation of labelling norms on their various food products. The government’s agency said that Lotte India’s Lotte Choco Pie with Rich Marshmallow, Lotte Choco Pie Real Orange and Lotte Choco Pie Choco Burst bear the claim 100% vegetarian, but, this has been found to be misleading. FSSAI observed several instances of non-compliance by Lotte India. The company utilised non-compliant pre-printed labels bearing the old company name ‘Lotte India Corporation Ltd’ without obtaining prior approval. -FSSAI PEPERO biscuit sticks don’t provide information regarding nutrients in the advised manner The national food regulator said that the company’s products PEPERO Crunchy Biscuit Sticks and PEPERO Original Biscuit Sticks do not provide nutritional information in the prescribed manner. Lollipops lack vitamins Another product Lolly Bliss Lollipop (orange, strawberry kaccha mango flavours) do not comply with vitamins level under the provisions of the FSS (Advertising Claims) Regulations. Fruitz Eclairs has no fruits Similarly, Fruitz Eclairs (mango, orange and strawberry flavours) create a misleading impression as the products do not contain fruits.
Further, the mandatory disclaimer for the brand/trade name, as required under the FSS (Advertising Claims) Regulations, has not been provided on the front of the pack. In the case of Kubera Foods, FSSAI has issued notice over misleading claims on its product Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple . The regulator said the front-of-pack claims “100 per cent natural” and “No preservatives, colours flavours” while the product label declares preservative, synthetic food colour and added flavouring substances. FP’s roasted almond chocolate under scanner Regarding Ferns N Petals Pvt Ltd, the FSSAI said it has issued notice over misleading claims and labelling of a product named roasted almond chocolate .
“Notice issued regarding misleading claims, including premium chocolate on the front of the pack despite the product containing hydrogenated vegetable fat…,” the regulator said.
The product was also found to have labelling deficiencies related to per cent RDA (recommended dietary allowance) declaration and ingredient disclosure, the FSSAI said. The claims pure, fresh and natural are in violation with the law. 7 days ultimatum FSSAI said these companies have been directed to explain within 7 days as to why action should not be initiated against them under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006.