Key Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued show-cause notices to Lotte India Corporation Pvt. Ltd., Ferns N Petals Pvt. Ltd. and Kubera Foods for allegedly displaying misleading claims on food packaging.

According to media reports, FSSAI has directed the companies to respond within seven days and explain why action should not be initiated against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The notices cover products including cream buns, chocolates, biscuits and lollipops. Through this action, the regulator aims to ensure that front-of-pack claims accurately reflect a product’s ingredients and composition.

Kubera Foods Faces Questions Over ‘100% Natural’ Claim

FSSAI has challenged the claims made on Kubera Foods’ Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple, which is marketed as “100% Natural” and “Free from Preservatives, Colours & Flavours.” The regulator alleges that the ingredient list includes preservatives, synthetic colour and added flavouring substances, creating a mismatch between the front-of-pack claims and the product’s contents. FSSAI has also questioned the use of marketing terms such as “Pure,” “Fresh” and “Natural.”

Ferns N Petals Under Scrutiny for ‘Premium Chocolate’

FSSAI has also issued a notice to Ferns N Petals over its Roasted Almond Chocolate, marketed as “Premium Chocolate.” According to the regulator, the product contains hydrogenated vegetable fat instead of cocoa butter, omits mandatory labelling information and fails to disclose the percentage of almonds used.

Lotte India Pulled Up for Multiple Labelling Issues

Lotte India faces several alleged labelling violations across its product portfolio. FSSAI has objected to “100% Vegetarian” claims on certain Choco Pie variants, missing nutrition information on Pepero biscuit sticks and Fruitz Eclairs that advertise fruit flavour despite reportedly containing no actual fruit. The regulator has also flagged the use of outdated pre-printed labels on some products and alleged that certain lollipops exceed the permitted limits for added vitamins.

Consumers Urged to Look Beyond Front-of-Pack Claims

AIIMS Delhi dietitian Monita Gehlot said the front of a food package often influences purchasing decisions and should accurately represent the information provided elsewhere on the label. She encouraged consumers to read the ingredient list, nutrition information, allergen declarations and other mandatory disclosures before choosing packaged foods, rather than relying solely on marketing claims displayed on the front of the pack.

Source: The Economic Times