The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Lotte India Corporation, Ferns N Petals and Kubera Foods over alleged misleading claims and violations of food labelling regulations.
The food safety regulator has directed the companies to submit explanations within seven days on why action should not be initiated against them under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
FSSAI found multiple non-compliances in products manufactured by Lotte India, including the use of outdated pre-printed labels, misleading claims of “100 per cent vegetarian” on select Choco Pie products, and improper nutritional information on Pepero biscuit products. The regulator also raised concerns over fruit-related claims and mandatory disclaimers on certain products.
Kubera Foods received a notice over its “Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple” product, where claims such as “100 per cent natural” and “No preservatives, colours & flavours” were found inconsistent with the declared ingredients, which included preservatives, synthetic food colour and added flavouring substances.
FSSAI also flagged Ferns N Petals’ “Roasted Almond Chocolate” for claims such as “premium chocolate” despite the presence of hydrogenated vegetable fat, along with deficiencies in nutritional and ingredient disclosures.
The regulator has recently intensified action against food business operators to ensure compliance with food safety standards and protect consumer interests. FSSAI continues to monitor product labels and advertising claims to prevent misleading information in the food market.
