FSSAI issues notices to several food brands over misleading packaging

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notice to Heritage Fresh Paneer, saying its use of the term "Fresh Paneer" on product packaging is misleading and could confuse consumers.

In a post on X on Monday, the food regulator said it had observed the claim "Fresh Paneer" on the product's label and directed food business operators (FBOs) to strictly comply with labelling regulations.

The misleading claim 'Fresh Paneer' was observed on the product 'Heritage Fresh Paneer', FSSAI said.

The regulator said it has issued notices to several food business operators for violating provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, relating to misleading claims and labelling.

"FSSAI has issued notices to several food business operators (FBOs) for violating provisions of the FSS Act, 2006 regarding misleading claims and labelling violations. FBOs are directed to strictly comply with the established regulations and to take corrective measures," it said.

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Apart from Heritage, FSSAI also issued a notice to La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread over claims such as "vegan", "100% organic" and "all natural". Another notice was served to Cipzer Nutraceuticals Juice Capsules for allegedly making misleading claims, including describing the product as "FSSAI approved" and "made with organic vegetables".

The latest action is part of the regulator's ongoing crackdown on misleading claims and improper labelling in the food sector.

Earlier, FSSAI had issued notices to several beverage companies for marketing their products as "energy drinks", stating that no standard for "energy drinks" has been notified under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations.

The notices were sent to brands including Hell Energy Drink, Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Red Bull Energy Drink and Sting Energy Drink, with the regulator saying such claims could mislead consumers.

FSSAI has also clarified that food companies cannot make functional or therapeutic claims—such as boosting energy, improving focus or helping with general weakness—unless such claims are specifically permitted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the relevant regulations.

The regulator said these enforcement measures are aimed at ensuring food products do not carry misleading claims or labels, or imply regulatory approval where none exists.