Is your 'healthy' label food really healthy? FSSAI flags several brands over claims

FSSAI Flags Multiple Food Brands Over Alleged Misleading: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to several food companies and brands over alleged misleading trade names and product claims that may violate food safety and labelling regulations.

According to an official statement, the regulator has flagged multiple products and brands whose names, branding or promotional claims could mislead consumers about the nature, composition, certification or health benefits of the products.

FSSAI said such practices may be in contravention of provisions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and has directed Food Business Operators (FBOs) to strictly comply with labelling and display regulations.

Brands under FSSAI scrutiny

The companies and brands that have been issued notices include

• Healthy Master,
• Neuherbs True Vitamin,
• Plant B,
• The Health Factory,
• Troovy, Healthy Choice,
• Healthy & Tasty (Emami),
• Health Aid,
• Organic Wisdom,
• Shine Organic,
• Two Brothers Organic Farms,
• Storia,
• World of Organic, and
• Iota Water.

Concerns over ‘organic’ labelling claims

FSSAI has flagged several brands for using the term "organic" in a manner that could mislead consumers regarding certification status.

According to the regulator, the trade name "World of Organic" may create an impression of certified organic products despite the absence of required certification.

Similarly, Shine Organic and Two Brothers Organic Farms were found to lack NPOP/PGS certification, the FSSAI "Jaivik Bharat" logo, and other necessary endorsements required to substantiate organic claims.

Issues flagged in product composition and claims

The regulator also highlighted concerns related to product labelling and composition.

Storia Juice Pomegranate was flagged for its trade name, which could mislead consumers into believing it is pure pomegranate juice, while it contains only 4 per cent pomegranate juice concentrate.

Iota Water was also flagged, with FSSAI stating that claims related to added minerals in packaged drinking water may be misleading under existing regulations.

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The regulator noted that rules do not permit claims of "added nutrients" if such nutrients are only used to compensate for losses during processing.

'Healthy' and wellness-related branding under scanner

FSSAI said several brands using the term "healthy" in their names or product descriptions may be misleading consumers.

These include Healthy Master, The Health Factory (Zero Maida Pizza Base and bread products), Healthy Choice (poha), Emami's Healthy & Tasty edible oil, Health Aid (salmon oil), and Troovy’s range of "Healthy" chips.

According to the regulator, such branding may give consumers the impression of health benefits despite the presence of other ingredients or formulations.

Vegan and 'True Vitamin' claims questioned

The regulator also flagged Neuherbs True Vitamin, stating that the term "True Vitamin" is not defined or recognised under existing regulations and may therefore be misleading.

In another case, Plant B (Plant-Based Vegan) was flagged for implying vegan certification without prior approval or endorsement under its FSSAI licence.

FSSAI directive

FSSAI has instructed all concerned Food Business Operators to strictly adhere to labelling and display norms to ensure consumers are not misled or confused by product names or claims.

With ANI Inputs