FSSAI Issues Notices to Lotte, Kubera Foods and Ferns N Petals Over Misleading Food Labels

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken action against three well-known brands for misleading claims and labeling violations in their packaged products. This move highlights the importance of transparency in food labeling, particularly for items that consumers often associate with health benefits, such as chocolates. The FSSAI's recent notices emphasize the need for compliance with regulations to ensure that consumers are not misled about the contents and nutritional value of the products they purchase.

One of the brands, Lotte India Corporation Private Limited, received a notice for using non-compliant pre-printed labels that featured the outdated company name "Lotte India Corporation Limited." The FSSAI found that several of Lotte's products, including the Lotte Choco Pie variants, misleadingly claimed to be "100% vegetarian." Additionally, the nutritional information on products like PEPERO Crunchy Biscuit Sticks was not presented in accordance with the FSSAI's labeling regulations. The company has been given seven days to explain why action should not be taken against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Kubera Foods also faced scrutiny from the FSSAI for its "Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple," which claimed to be "100% Natural" and free from preservatives, colors, and flavors. However, the product label revealed the presence of preservatives and synthetic food colors, violating the provisions of the FSSAI's advertising and claims regulations. The company has been instructed to provide a justification for these misleading claims within the same seven-day timeframe.

Ferns N Petals Private Limited was similarly cited for misleading labeling on its chocolate products, which were marketed as "Premium Chocolate" despite containing hydrogenated vegetable fat instead of cocoa butter. The FSSAI noted that the product lacked the necessary declarations required for chocolates containing vegetable fats. Furthermore, the nutritional information panel did not include the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) values, and the almond content was not specified, despite the product being marketed as Almond Chocolate. The company must also respond within seven days to avoid potential penalties.

This enforcement action by the FSSAI underscores the regulatory body's commitment to protecting consumer interests and ensuring that food products meet established safety and labeling standards. As consumers become increasingly health-conscious, accurate labeling is essential for informed choices, and the FSSAI's vigilance serves as a reminder for companies to adhere strictly to food safety regulations.