Regulator Flags Incorrect Labels, Unsupported Health Claims and Packaging Violations; Companies Asked to Respond Within Seven Days

India’s food safety regulator has stepped up action against misleading product claims and labelling violations, issuing notices to three major food businesses — Lotte India Corporation, Ferns N Petals and Kubera Foods.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sought explanations from these companies over alleged violations related to food packaging, advertising claims and mandatory disclosures. The companies have been given seven days to explain why action should not be initiated against them under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The latest move reflects FSSAI’s increasing focus on protecting consumers from misleading information in the rapidly growing packaged food market.

FSSAI Raises Concerns Over Lotte India Product Labels

FSSAI has issued a notice to Lotte India Corporation Pvt Ltd over multiple instances of alleged non-compliance in its food products.

According to the regulator, the company used pre-printed packaging labels carrying its earlier corporate name, “Lotte India Corporation Ltd”, without obtaining prior approval as required under food labelling regulations.

The authority stated that packaging modifications and label approvals are critical to ensure that consumers receive accurate and updated product information.

“100% Vegetarian” Claim on Choco Pie Products Under Review

One of the major concerns raised by FSSAI relates to claims made on certain Lotte Choco Pie products.

The regulator observed that products including:

• Lotte Choco Pie Rich Marshmallow

• Lotte Choco Pie Real Orange

• Lotte Choco Pie Choco Burst

carried the claim “100% vegetarian”, which FSSAI considered misleading under existing food advertising and claims regulations.

The authority has been closely monitoring claims that may influence consumer purchasing decisions, especially those related to food ingredients and dietary preferences.

Nutritional Information and Ingredient Disclosures Flagged

FSSAI also identified compliance issues in other Lotte products.

The regulator stated that PEPERO Crunchy Biscuit Sticks and PEPERO Original Biscuit Sticks did not provide nutritional information in the required format.

Additionally, concerns were raised over Lolly Bliss Lollipop products available in orange, strawberry and kaccha mango flavours.

FSSAI stated that vitamin-related claims on these products did not comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations.

The regulator also pointed out that Fruitz Eclairs products created an impression of containing fruit despite not meeting the required criteria, potentially misleading consumers.

Kubera Foods Faces Action Over “Natural” Product Claims

FSSAI has issued a separate notice to Kubera Foods regarding its product Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple.

The regulator objected to front-of-pack claims such as:

• “100% natural”

• “No preservatives, colours & flavours”

FSSAI stated that the product label mentioned the presence of preservatives, synthetic food colours and added flavouring substances.

According to food advertising rules, terms such as “natural”, “fresh” and “pure” cannot be used in a manner that creates a false impression about the composition or processing of a product.

Ferns N Petals Chocolate Product Also Comes Under Scanner

FSSAI has issued a notice to Ferns N Petals Pvt Ltd over alleged misleading claims related to its Roasted Almond Chocolate product.

The regulator questioned the use of the term “premium chocolate” on the front of the pack while the product contained hydrogenated vegetable fat.

FSSAI also highlighted shortcomings related to:

• Ingredient disclosure

• Percentage Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) declaration

• Mandatory packaging information

The regulator said proper labelling is essential to allow consumers to make informed choices.

Growing Regulatory Pressure on Packaged Food Companies

The latest notices are part of FSSAI’s broader campaign to improve compliance among food businesses operating in India.

In recent months, the regulator has taken action against several companies over questionable product claims and labelling practices.

FSSAI has also increased public communication through social media platforms, sharing details of enforcement actions against food business operators.

These actions are based on:

• Consumer complaints

• Market surveillance

• Regulatory inspections

• Suo moto investigations by the authority

Impact on India’s Food and FMCG Sector

The action against leading brands highlights the growing importance of transparency and compliance in India’s food and FMCG industry.

With consumers increasingly relying on packaging information while making purchasing decisions, companies are expected to ensure that product claims are scientifically accurate and legally compliant.

Industry experts believe stricter enforcement could encourage food manufacturers to improve quality control systems, packaging approvals and advertising practices.

Compliance Becomes Key Priority for Food Brands

As India’s packaged food industry continues to expand, regulatory scrutiny is expected to increase.

Companies will need to focus on:

• Accurate ingredient declarations

• Transparent nutritional information

• Proper approval of packaging labels

• Compliance with advertising guidelines

For consumers, stronger enforcement by FSSAI could improve confidence in packaged food products and ensure greater transparency across the sector.