The food safety regulator has stepped up inspections and enforcement, issuing notices across food, beverage and retail companies over alleged violations related to labelling, advertising and product safety
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has called on consumers to actively report unsafe food practices using its Food Safety Connect mobile application, as the regulator intensifies action against companies for alleged violations of food safety, labelling and advertising regulations.
“Don’t just notice it, report it! Unsafe food practices affect everyone. Turn your awareness into action with the Food Safety Connect App,” the food regulator said in a post on X.
The appeal comes amid a series of enforcement measures undertaken by FSSAI against food businesses across the country. Recently, the regulator issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart following multiple consumer complaints alleging violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
As part of its ongoing compliance drive, FSSAI has been increasing inspections, issuing show-cause notices and taking regulatory action against businesses accused of manufacturing, selling or promoting food products that are unsafe or carry misleading claims.
In one of the latest enforcement actions, the regulator ordered the closure of a spice manufacturing unit in Lucknow after an inspection allegedly revealed adulteration. Authorities seized the suspected adulterated stock and collected samples for laboratory examination.
Earlier this week, FSSAI also served notices to several alcoholic beverage manufacturers over the alleged use of unauthorised flavouring agents, misleading age-related claims, and non-compliance with labelling and disclosure requirements prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018.
Action Over Misleading Labels
The regulator has also issued notices to Lotte India, Ferns N Petals and Kubera Foods over alleged violations related to advertising and product labelling. The companies have been directed to explain within seven days why action should not be initiated against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
According to FSSAI, the alleged breaches include claims such as “100 per cent vegetarian,” “100 per cent natural,” “premium chocolate,” “fresh,” and “no preservatives.” The notices also flagged inaccurate nutritional information, inadequate ingredient declarations and labels that allegedly failed to meet prescribed regulatory standards.
Last week, FSSAI similarly issued notices to several beverage manufacturers for allegedly marketing products as “energy drinks” in contravention of existing regulations. Separately, Heritage Foods also received a notice over claims associated with its “fresh paneer” product.
The regulator said these enforcement actions stem from both consumer complaints and suo motu proceedings, and form part of its broader efforts to improve compliance with food safety regulations while protecting consumer interests.
