FSSAI issued 150 notices to major food brands in recent months over misleading ads

Food regulator FSSAI has issued over 150 notices to major food brands in recent months over misleading advertisements, false claims and non-compliance with labelling regulations, according to an official statement released on Saturday. The notices were directed at prominent companies such as Nestle India, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola India, and others, including energy drink and alcoholic beverage manufacturers. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) highlighted that these actions were part of a broader crackdown on violations of food safety laws and regulations. The enforcement action includes the seizure of products from multiple companies due to regulatory breaches. A total of 12 notices were issued to e-commerce platforms Amazon and Flipkart, with one Amazon warehouse license being revoked. Additionally, more than 30 notices were sent to food service establishments, including fast-food chains like KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and Costa Coffee. Five licenses of Domino’s were suspended as a result of these violations. The FSSAI also noted that similar measures were taken against several five-star hotels last year. Among the affected brands, notable names include Abbott India Ltd, Red Bull India, Danone India, Monster Energy India Pvt Ltd, Hell Energy Pvt Ltd, Mondelez India, Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Ferrero India, and Kenvue Inc. The regulator emphasized that these actions were taken in response to repeated violations, particularly concerning misleading advertising practices and improper labelling. The FSSAI stated that many companies have begun implementing corrective measures following the issuance of these notices. The crackdown reflects a growing emphasis on consumer protection and adherence to food safety standards. The FSSAI has been actively monitoring compliance with regulations, especially regarding health claims and nutritional information presented in marketing materials. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to ensure transparency and accuracy in food-related communications. The regulator has also intensified scrutiny of online marketplaces, given their role in distributing products to a wide audience. In addition to direct action against companies, the FSSAI has engaged with stakeholders to promote awareness and encourage voluntary compliance. The regulator has urged businesses to review their advertising strategies and ensure they meet all legal requirements. While some companies have responded positively to the notices, there are indications that certain firms may still be lagging in addressing the identified issues. The FSSAI continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to take further steps if necessary. Looking ahead, the FSSAI is expected to maintain its rigorous enforcement approach, focusing on both traditional and digital channels of distribution. The regulator has indicated that future actions will likely target areas where non-compliance persists, particularly in the realm of health and wellness claims. With increasing public awareness and regulatory pressure, the food industry faces ongoing challenges in maintaining ethical advertising practices while meeting consumer expectations. The coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively the sector adapts to these evolving standards.