FSSAI issues notices to Nestle India, Zydus Wellness over product claims; Complan under scanner
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Nestle India and Zydus Wellness over claims made on product packaging and promotional material, including those for infant nutrition products and popular milk-based drink Complan.
The regulator has questioned health-related claims associated with Nestle's NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1 Powder, while seeking scientific substantiation from Zydus Wellness for Complan's claim of promoting “2 times faster growth”.
The action also includes a show-cause notice to a social media influencer for allegedly promoting infant formula on Instagram, bringing digital advertising and compliance with India's infant nutrition laws into focus.
FSSAI questions Nestle's infant formula claims
In the case of NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, the FSSAI raised objections to the claim that “5 HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) helps support normal immune system”.
The regulator observed that the wording could imply a physiological benefit that is not specifically permitted under the applicable regulations.
It also sought scientific evidence to support the claim that whey protein, a component of milk protein, is easy to digest.
Similar requests for supporting evidence were made in connection with Lactogen Pro 1 Powder.
Responding to the notices, a Nestle India spokesperson said the regulator's latest communication reiterated points raised in an earlier post dated September 18.
“FSSAI's recent post reiterates the points raised in its earlier post of 18 September regarding product labels. We have already submitted our detailed response to FSSAI on these matters,” the spokesperson said.
Complan's ‘2 times faster growth’ claim under scrutiny
Zydus Wellness has received a show-cause notice over what the regulator described as misleading claims associated with Complan, particularly its promotion as a product that supports “2 times faster growth”.
The company has been directed to provide an explanation along with relevant documents and scientific evidence substantiating the claim.
The regulatory action highlights the scrutiny food and nutrition companies face over advertising statements that suggest specific health or growth benefits.
Such claims must be supported by appropriate evidence and comply with applicable food safety and advertising regulations.
A response from Zydus Wellness was not included in the information available for this report.
Influencer faces notice over infant formula promotion
The FSSAI has also issued a show-cause notice to an influencer for promoting infant formula on Instagram.
The development has drawn attention to the regulation of digital promotions involving infant nutrition products and the responsibilities of both companies and social media personalities.
Dr Arun Gupta, founder of the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) and convenor of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi), welcomed the action and called for stronger enforcement.
“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.
Calls for stronger enforcement of infant nutrition law
India enacted the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act in 1992, with amendments in 2003.
The legislation seeks to protect breastfeeding by regulating the production, supply, distribution and promotion of infant milk substitutes and related products.
Gupta said the law must remain effective in the digital era, where social media promotions can reach large audiences.
He urged the FSSAI and other 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 place renewed focus on the need for scientifically substantiated product claims and compliance with regulations governing infant nutrition, food labelling and advertising.
The companies' responses and the regulator's subsequent decisions will determine the next steps in the proceedings.
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