Report

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has informed the Delhi High Court that Dabur misled consumers by using the label “100% fruit juice” on its packaging. In an affidavit submitted on April 23, FSSAI asserted that this claim violates current labelling regulations, especially when the product includes added water or comes from reconstituted concentrate.

FSSAI Rejects Use of Numerical Claims

The regulator cited Schedule V of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, to argue that food labelling norms do not allow numerical descriptors like “100%.” FSSAI believes such language creates a false impression about a product’s purity and composition. In June 2024, FSSAI issued a directive instructing food business operators to remove terms such as “100% Fruit Juice” from labels and advertisements. The agency emphasised that food labels must reflect clear, honest, and non-deceptive information.

Dabur Defends Product and Process

Dabur, the company behind Real fruit beverages, opposed FSSAI’s directive. The company claimed that it follows industry standards by producing reconstituted juices, like Real Activ—through a process that adds water to fruit concentrate without adding sugar. Dabur argued that this method restores the juice’s natural composition and justifies the “100% fruit juice” label.

FSSAI Cites Scientific Panel’s Findings

FSSAI backed its position by referring to the conclusions of its Scientific Panel on Labelling and Claims/Advertisements (SP-08), which discussed the issue in its 47th and 49th meetings. The panel found that “100%” claims on reconstituted juices breach Regulation 2.3.6 of the 2011 Food Products Standards and Food Additives Regulations.

Court Case Moves Forward

Dabur filed a legal challenge against FSSAI’s directive in March 2025. In response, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the regulator. As of now, the court has not granted Dabur any interim relief. The next hearing is scheduled for July 7.

Source: Moneycontrol