India’s food regulator is significantly reshaping the country’s food compliance landscape through one of its most extensive enforcement campaigns in recent years. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified action across multiple categories, targeting misleading marketing claims, manufacturing standards, hygiene practices, beverages, nutraceuticals, packaged drinking water and quick-commerce platforms. The campaign reflects a clear shift towards stricter consumer protection, scientific substantiation of product claims and stronger manufacturing oversight.
A major focus of the regulator has been misleading advertising and product labelling. During June and July, FSSAI issued notices to a number of food and beverage companies over claims such as “healthy,” “organic,” “zero maida” and “100%.” Companies including Emami Healthy & Tasty, Neuherbs, Storia, Lotte India, Ferns N Petals and Kubera Foods were asked to justify various product descriptions and labelling practices. More recently, Dabur India was directed to stop selling several products carrying claims such as “100% Natural,” “100% Pure” and “100% Organic,” with the regulator stating that such expressions are scientifically unverifiable and may mislead consumers.
Manufacturing quality has also come under closer scrutiny, particularly in the nutraceutical sector. FSSAI suspended the manufacturing licences of Dior Pharmaceuticals and Rehaan Healthcare after inspections revealed serious deficiencies in Good Manufacturing Practices, hygiene standards and food safety management systems. The companies were instructed to suspend production until corrective measures are implemented.
The regulator has simultaneously strengthened inspections of food manufacturing facilities. Earlier this week, the licence of Tripura-based Matri Drinking Water was suspended after inspectors found finished products stored alongside non-food materials and directly on factory floors. Consumer complaints have also become an important trigger for enforcement. FSSAI sought explanations from Nestlé India, KFC India and Flipkart following complaints relating to food contamination and hygiene, while Swiggy Instamart received multiple notices over complaints involving expired and damaged food products. The authority has also directed food businesses nationwide to discontinue the use of metallic pins and wires in food packaging.
FSSAI’s compliance drive has expanded further into beverages and alcoholic products. Six beverage companies, including Red Bull, PepsiCo India, Reliance Consumer Products and Monster Energy, received notices over the use of the term “energy drink,” while several alcoholic beverage manufacturers were questioned over flavouring practices and age-related claims. Meanwhile, enforcement agencies also dismantled an interstate network allegedly producing counterfeit ghee during joint operations in Delhi and Haryana.
The tougher regulatory approach has prompted legal challenges and voluntary compliance measures. United Spirits has challenged one directive before the Bombay High Court, while Dabur has begun removing disputed claims from its products. Several brands, including The Whole Truth and Heritage Foods, have also revised packaging to align with evolving regulatory expectations.
FSSAI’s recent actions indicate that compliance is no longer limited to manufacturing standards alone. Product claims, labels, advertising and operational practices are now under far closer scrutiny, signalling a new era in which regulatory compliance has become a core business priority for India’s food and beverage industry.