FSSAI Issues Notices to Food Companies for Misleading 'Healthy' and 'Organic' Claims

Key Facts

• FSSAI, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, regulates food labelling, advertising, and claims for truthful and honest consumer information.
• In June 2026, FSSAI issued notices to food business operators (FBOs) including brands such as Emami Healthy & Tasty, Neuherbs True Vitamin, Plant B, Healthy Master, Organic Wisdom, Shine Organic, among others.
• The notices concerned the use of claims like “healthy,” “organic,” “zero maida,” “true vitamin,” and “plant-based vegan” on packaged foods without proper certification or compliance.
• The Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations require that product claims must be truthful and that ingredient disclosure must be clear and accurate.
• Use of “organic” claims must align with certification schemes such as the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) or Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) and the use of the Jaivik Bharat logo indicates certified organic status.
• “Zero maida” claims are scrutinized if products contain wheat flour or gluten, as it can mislead consumers about content.
• Claims like “true vitamin” are not recognized or defined under applicable food laws and thus prohibited in labelling or branding.
• “Plant-based vegan” claims require compliance with specific labelling rules and FSSAI endorsement conditions; unverified claims can lead to regulatory action.
• Non-compliance with labelling standards can result in FSSAI directives to correct labels, remove misleading claims, financial penalties, product recalls, or licence suspensions.

Background & Context

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to consolidate food safety laws in India and provide a single regulatory framework. It lays down science-based standards and enforces regulations ensuring safe and wholesome food for consumers.

Food labelling and claims are regulated under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, which mandate truthful product descriptions and clear disclosures. This protects consumers from deceptive or unsubstantiated claims about food products.

“Organic” food products in India must meet certification requirements under schemes like the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) or Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India). The Jaivik Bharat logo is the official mark used to designate certified organic food products.

Marketing claims such as “healthy,” “zero maida,” “true vitamin,” and “plant-based vegan” serve as descriptors to consumers, but without compliance and certifications, they are considered misleading under the food safety laws.

Why This Matters for Exams

Understanding FSSAI’s regulatory role and enforcement pertaining to food labelling claims exemplifies practical implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It highlights consumer protection mechanisms and the importance of authenticity and certification in food marketing. Students should note the linkage between law, certification programs (e.g., NPOP, PGS, Jaivik Bharat), and enforcement practices.

Points to Remember

• FSSAI is the statutory authority under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 responsible for food safety, standards, and labelling regulation in India.
• Misleading claims on foods such as “healthy,” “organic,” “zero maida,” “true vitamin,” and “plant-based vegan” are regulated and require substantiation or certification.
• Organic certification programs in India include the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India). Certified products use the Jaivik Bharat logo.
• Use of unapproved or unsubstantiated claims can lead to FSSAI notices, corrective actions, penalties, recalls, or suspension of licenses.
• Awareness of these regulatory measures is crucial for exam candidates focusing on food safety laws, consumer protection, and regulatory frameworks in India.