New Delhi: India’s food safety regulator has intensified its scrutiny of food labeling and promotional practices by issuing notices to several companies over claims that may potentially mislead consumers. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has raised concerns regarding brand names, taglines, and product descriptions used by eight food businesses.
The companies that have come under the regulator’s scanner include Emami Healthy & Tasty, Neuherbs, Plan B, Troovy, Health Aid, Healthy Choice, Healthy Master, and The Healthy Factory.
Regulator Reviews Health-Focused Branding
FSSAI’s latest action focuses on the use of words such as “healthy,” “vitamin,” and “vegan” in product branding and advertising. According to the regulator, such terms could influence purchasing decisions if they are not supported by approved claims or regulatory recognition.
The authority shared details of the notices through its official communication channels, highlighting the need for food businesses to ensure that marketing messages remain compliant with existing food safety norms.
Emami Brand Name Under Examination
Among the companies receiving notices is Emami Healthy & Tasty, known for its edible oil products. FSSAI has reportedly questioned whether the brand name could create a perception among consumers that may not align with regulatory requirements governing food product promotion.
Vegan Labeling Faces Regulatory Attention
Plant-based food company Plan B has also attracted attention from the regulator. Officials have raised concerns that references to vegan products in the company’s branding could lead consumers to assume official vegan recognition, despite the required endorsement process not being completed under its food licence.
Product Labels of Bakery Items Reviewed
The Healthy Factory has been asked to explain labeling used on certain bakery products, including bread and pizza bases marketed with “zero maida” claims. The regulator is examining whether such descriptions accurately represent the ingredients used in the products.
Concerns Over Nutritional Product Branding
Supplement brand Neuherbs has been flagged over its “True Vitamin” product range. FSSAI noted that the phrase does not fall under any officially recognized category within current food regulations, prompting concerns about consumer interpretation.
Snack Products Also Under Scanner
Several snack products sold by Troovy have been questioned for prominently using the term “healthy” in their branding. The regulator is reviewing whether such descriptions are appropriate considering the complete ingredient composition of the products.
In addition, taglines and brand identities used by Health Aid, Healthy Master, and Healthy Choice have also been included in the regulator’s review.
Focus on Transparent Food Marketing
The latest notices underline FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency in India’s food sector. The regulator has consistently maintained that businesses must avoid promotional claims that could exaggerate the nutritional benefits or nature of food products.
Industry experts believe the move signals a broader push toward stricter enforcement of labeling standards as consumers increasingly rely on health-focused branding while making food purchasing decisions.
