The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to several food companies, including Bikanervala, Marico Ltd. and Param Dairy, over concerns related to misleading claims, labelling issues and consumer complaints.
FSSAI said the notices were issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The companies have been asked to take corrective action and submit their replies.
Bikanervala received a notice after a customer raised a hygiene complaint on social media. The complaint alleged that a staff member was eating food inside the service or kitchen area during working hours. FSSAI has asked the company to share details of its internal investigation, employee hygiene rules, corrective steps taken and an Action Taken Report.
Param Dairy was issued a notice after a consumer complained about fungal contamination in dahi and rabri products supplied through IRCTC catering services. FSSAI has asked the company to provide details of the products supplied, procurement sources and inventory management practices. The company has also been asked to explain what action was taken against the responsible sellers or suppliers and how such incidents will be prevented in future.
Marico Ltd. came under scrutiny for its “Saffola Total Heart Pro-Multi Source Cooking Oil.” FSSAI said the use of the words “Heart Pro” and heart images on the pack could make consumers believe that the product provides heart-health benefits beyond approved claims.
The regulator also said claims such as “Good Fats Balance” and “Losorb for less oil absorption” need proper scientific support.
FSSAI has also issued notices to Ferrero India over its Kinder Joy product for the front-of-pack claim “Rich in Milk Solids,” which the authority said may be misleading.
Other companies that received notices include Medizen Labs, MasterChow Foods, Raw Pressery, Nexa Industries and Orville. Products such as Natural Paneer, Gaur Healthy Food Silken Tofu, Pluckk Mango Fruit Juice, Korean Ginseng and Incipro Gold Powder Vanilla were also examined.
The action shows that FSSAI is increasing its focus on food safety, correct labelling and truthful product claims. Food companies are expected to be more careful while making health, nutrition or quality-related claims on their products.