FSSAI extends deadline for phasing out 100% fruit juice claims

The decision by FSSAI to extend the current deadline of August 31 has been taken following consultations with stakeholders. Earlier in June, FSSAI had asked food business operators (FBOs) to immediately remove claims of 100% fruit juices in advertisements as well as labels on packaged products, amid rising concerns over misleading claims.

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has extended the deadline for food business operators (FBOs) to use up pre-printed packaging materials that claim “100 percent fruit juices” in their packaged products. Originally set for August 31, the deadline has now been extended by four months to December 31, 2024, following consultations with stakeholders.

According to an advisory to FBOs from the FSSAI, “Based on the various representations received from stakeholders, it has been decided to extend the deadline for using pre-printed packaging materials. The new deadline for utilising these materials is now December 31, 2024.”

In June, FSSAI directed FBOs to immediately remove any claims of “100 percent fruit juices” from advertisements and labels on packaged products, due to concerns about misleading claims. The regulator also stated that products manufactured by FBOs before December 31, 2024, can continue to be sold through all channels until their shelf life expires.

Initially, FBOs were instructed to deplete all existing pre-printed packaging materials by September 1, 2024. The June directive also mandated FBOs to comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, which do not allow for “100 per cent” claims. 

FBOs were further required to adhere to the standards specified in sub-regulation 2.3.6 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards & Food Additives) Regulation, 2011, including labelling “reconstituted” juices accurately in the ingredient list.