Food Regulator Issues Notices to Eight Brands Over Allegedly Misleading Product Names, Labels, and Health-Related Marketing Claims
Highlights
- FSSAI has issued notices to eight food companies over misleading branding.
- Brands using terms such as “Healthy,” “True Vitamin,” and “Vegan” have come under scrutiny.
- Regulator says certain claims may mislead consumers about product benefits.
- Companies have been asked to justify names, labels, and promotional statements.
- Action has been taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued notices to eight food business operators for allegedly using misleading brand names, trade names, and product claims that may violate provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The companies that received notices include Emami Healthy & Tasty, Health Aid, Troovy, The Healthy Factory, Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, Plan B, and Neuherbs.
According to the regulator, several of the names and marketing claims used by these brands could create a false impression among consumers regarding the nutritional value, health benefits, or regulatory status of their products.
Among the major companies flagged is Emami Healthy & Tasty, whose trade name was cited as potentially misleading and possibly inconsistent with applicable food safety regulations. Plan B was questioned over marketing products as “plant-based vegan” without obtaining prior approval for vegan endorsement under its FSSAI licence.
FSSAI also raised concerns about products sold by The Healthy Factory, including its “Zero Maida Whole Wheat Bread” and “Zero Maida Pizza Base.” The regulator noted that these products contain ingredients such as wheat gluten and may not fully align with the impression created by their labeling.
Meanwhile, Neuherbs’ “True Vitamin” product range was flagged because the term is not officially defined or recognized under existing FSSAI regulations. Troovy’s snack products, including “Healthy Mix Veggie Chips,” “Healthy Ragi Chips,” and “Healthy Moong Dal Chips,” were also questioned for promoting “healthy” claims despite containing multiple additional ingredients.
The regulator further highlighted Healthy Master’s tagline “Vision to Serve Healthy,” Healthy Choice’s “Healthy Food for Healthy Life Poha,” and Health Aid’s brand name as potentially misleading for consumers.
The move is part of FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to ensure transparency in food labeling and prevent marketing practices that could influence consumer purchasing decisions through unverified health-related claims.
