Key Development

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has imposed a Rs. 1,00,000 penalty on Marico, the FMCG company behind brands such as Parachute, Saffola, Livon, and Nihar. The penalty, issued under Section 52 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, relates to alleged misbranding of certain product samples at a retail store in 2016. The adjudicating officer conducted proceedings on July 30, 2025.

Marico stated that the order does not materially impact its finances or operations and confirmed that it reserves the right to appeal at the appropriate forum. The company described the matter as procedural and reaffirmed that its manufacturing and quality control practices comply with regulatory standards.

FSSAI Steps Up Enforcement

In recent years, FSSAI has intensified inspections and enforcement across packaged foods, beverages, and nutraceuticals, focusing on consumer protection and accurate labelling. Legal experts note that Section 52 covers misleading advertisements and misbranding, meaning even minor deviations in label information — such as nutritional content, expiry dates, or imagery — can trigger regulatory action.

A Mumbai-based food law consultant highlighted that the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011, and subsequent amendments require strict compliance with ingredients, additives, manufacturing dates, allergen warnings, and health claims. “Accurate labelling is central to consumer protection, and enforcement actions remind companies of this obligation,” the consultant said.

Industry Implications

Analysts suggest the penalty reflects a more assertive regulatory phase, with FSSAI actively monitoring compliance across supply chains and product disclosures. “FSSAI is no longer content with being a passive licensing body; it is becoming an active compliance enforcer,” one analyst noted. “Misbranding and misinformation in food marketing are areas where the regulator expects zero tolerance.”

The penalty follows broader scrutiny of Marico, including recent Income Tax Department proceedings, which the company stated do not materially affect its operations.

Source: Food Kida