FSSAI Issues Notices to Nestlé, Zydus Over Product Claims
The regulator questions health claims on infant nutrition products and Complan’s growth claim, while a nutrition advocate calls for stronger enforcement.
- FSSAI issues notices to Nestlé India and Zydus Wellness
- Regulator questions infant nutrition and Complan growth claims
- Influencer receives notice over infant formula promotion
- Nutrition advocate calls for stronger enforcement
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st Oct: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Nestlé India and Zydus Wellness over claims made on the packaging and promotional material of selected products, including infant nutrition brands NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, Lactogen Pro 1 Powder and the popular milk drink Complan.
In the case of Nestlé’s NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, the regulator questioned the claim that “5 HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) helps support normal immune system”, observing that it could imply a physiological benefit not specifically permitted under applicable regulations.
The FSSAI also sought scientific evidence to support the claim that whey protein, a component of milk protein, is easy to digest. A similar request for supporting evidence was made regarding Lactogen Pro 1 Powder.
Separately, the regulator issued a show-cause notice to an influencer over the promotion of infant formula on Instagram, raising concerns about compliance with rules governing the marketing of infant milk substitutes.
Zydus Wellness has also received a show-cause notice over what the regulator described as potentially misleading claims that Complan promotes “2 times faster growth”. The company has been directed to provide explanations, relevant documents and scientific evidence supporting the claim.
The action has drawn attention to the regulation of food advertising and the promotion of infant nutrition products. Dr Arun Gupta, founder of the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) and convenor of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi), welcomed the notice concerning infant formula promotion on social media.
“The FSSAI notice concerning the promotion of infant formula through Instagram is an important step towards holding companies and promoters accountable for violations of India’s IMS Act,” Gupta said.
India enacted the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act in 1992, with amendments in 2003, to protect breastfeeding from commercial promotion of infant milk substitutes.
Gupta said the law must remain effective in the digital age. He called on the FSSAI and enforcement authorities to investigate the alleged violations thoroughly and initiate prosecution wherever warranted.
“This will act as a deterrent to future violations,” he said.
The notices seek explanations and supporting evidence from the companies and promoter concerned. The action does not, by itself, establish that the claims violated the law; the matters will depend on the responses and regulatory examination.
