The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued show-cause notices to Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Nestlé Health Science Limited, Tirupati Wellness and major e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart India, Amazon Seller Services and Netmeds Healthcare, over allegedly misleading advertisements and health claims associated with the nutritional supplement Celevida GLP+.
The regulatory action follows concerns over the product’s branding, packaging and promotional claims, particularly those suggesting a connection with GLP-1/GIP therapies.
According to FSSAI, the supplement was promoted as offering high-protein support for preserving lean muscle during GLP-1/GIP therapies. The regulator observed that such claims could mislead consumers into believing the product was specifically suitable for individuals undergoing these medical treatments.
FSSAI also raised objections to the product name, Celevida GLP+, stating that its association with therapy-related claims could create a misleading impression about the supplement’s intended use. The regulator maintained that disclaimers describing the name as merely a brand identity were insufficient to address these concerns.
Several front-of-pack claims, including those relating to lean muscle maintenance, muscle strength, immunity and energy metabolism, were also questioned for potentially overstating the product’s health benefits.
The authority further flagged promotional descriptions such as Complete Daily Nourishment and dependable nutrition in every serving, observing that these could give consumers the impression that the supplement serves as a complete meal replacement.
Another claim, referring to the product as being imported from Europe for purity, also came under scrutiny. FSSAI pointed out that European origin does not automatically establish superior protein purity.
The regulator has asked the companies and online marketplaces concerned to explain why action should not be initiated against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and applicable regulations.
In a separate development concerning regulatory action involving its low-fat dairy whitener, Nestlé maintained that the product was safe for consumption and complied with applicable standards. The company stated that it had been engaging with authorities and had submitted supporting information regarding naturally occurring phosphorus in similar milk-based products.
The notices highlight FSSAI’s growing scrutiny of health-related marketing claims, particularly where food supplements are promoted using terminology associated with medical treatments. The action also underlines the responsibility of manufacturers and e-commerce platforms to ensure that product descriptions and promotional messages comply with food-safety regulations.