New Delhi: India’s food safety watchdog has turned up the heat on two of the country’s biggest packaged-food companies. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Nestlé India and Zydus Wellness over allegedly misleading claims made on some of their products, in a move announced through the regulator’s social media posts.
For Nestlé India, the notices relate to two infant-formula products. The regulator flagged the claim on Lactogen Pro 1 Powder — which states that it “contains Whey Protein, which is a part of milk protein that is easy to digest” — and asked the company to furnish scientific substantiation for it. The second product, Nan Excella Pro Stage 1, carries the claim “5 HMOs helps support normal immune system”, which FSSAI has held as non-compliant with provisions that bar claims about the prevention, alleviation, treatment or cure of any disease, disorder or physiological condition unless expressly permitted.
Nestlé India has been asked to show cause why action should not be taken against it under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Responding to the development, a Nestlé India spokesperson said the regulator’s post reiterates points raised in its earlier September 18 post, and that the company has already submitted a detailed response.
Zydus Wellness, meanwhile, faces scrutiny over its popular health-drink brand Complan. The regulator flagged claims including “Supports Concentration and Memory”, “2x Faster Growth” / “Clinically proven 2X growth” and “Pro Immunity+ 34 Vital Nutrients”, holding them to be in violation of the FSS (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. FSSAI has sought scientific substantiation for these claims as well.
A Zydus spokesperson said the company remains committed to product quality, safety and regulatory compliance, adding that Complan complies with all applicable regulations.
The market took note of the regulatory action. On October 22, shares of both companies slipped — Nestlé India fell around 2.43 per cent to ₹1,194.10, while Zydus Wellness declined about 1.60 per cent to ₹484.15, in what is being seen as a reported market reaction to the notices.
In a related development, FSSAI also flagged an Instagram reel by influencer Ira Fathima promoting infant formula brands. Notices were issued to Abbott Healthcare, Nestlé India, Nutricia International and Mead Johnson Nutrition India in connection with the promotion.
The action underscores FSSAI’s sharpening focus on advertising claims in the food and nutrition space — particularly where products meant for infants and children are concerned. For the companies involved, the notices are a reminder that marketing claims, however familiar, must be backed by science that stands up to regulatory scrutiny.
