India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has issued notices to eight food companies for allegedly using misleading brand names, labels and product claims that could give consumers the impression that their products are healthier than they actually are.
The action has been taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI has warned companies against making unverified or potentially misleading health-related claims on food packaging and marketing materials.
Eight Brands Under Scrutiny
According to reports, the companies that have received notices include Emami Healthy & Tasty, Health Aid, Troovy, The Healthy Factory, Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, Plan B and Neuherbs.
FSSAI has raised concerns over the use of terms such as “healthy”, “zero maida”, “true vitamin” and “plant-based vegan”, stating that such claims may mislead consumers if they are not adequately supported by regulations or scientific evidence.
Emami’s ‘Healthy & Tasty’ Brand Flagged
One of the prominent brands under scrutiny is Emami Healthy & Tasty, the edible oils division of Emami Limited.
According to the regulator, even the brand name could potentially create a misleading impression by suggesting health benefits that may not be substantiated under existing food labelling and advertising rules.
Questions Raised Over Vegan Certification Claims
FSSAI has also issued a notice to Plan B for marketing its products as “plant-based vegan”. The regulator alleged that the company may have projected its products as certified vegan without obtaining the required approvals under FSSAI norms.
Officials noted that vegan food claims require specific authorisation, and unauthorised usage could amount to a regulatory violation.
‘Zero Maida’ Products Face Investigation
The Healthy Factory has also come under the scanner for products marketed as “Zero Maida Whole Wheat Bread” and “Zero Maida Pizza Base”.
According to FSSAI, the ingredient list includes components such as chakki fresh atta and wheat gluten, prompting questions over whether the “zero maida” claim accurately represents the product’s composition.
Neuherbs, Troovy and Others Also Under Lens
Nutrition brand Neuherbs has been questioned over its “True Vitamin” product line. FSSAI stated that “True Vitamin” is not a recognised category under current food safety regulations and may mislead consumers.
Snack brand Troovy has also received a notice for products such as “Healthy Mix Veggie Chips”, “Healthy Ragi Chips” and “Healthy Moong Dal Chips”. The regulator argued that repeatedly using the term “healthy” on products containing multiple ingredients could create an inaccurate perception of their nutritional value.
Healthy Master, Healthy Choice and Health Aid have also been flagged for branding and promotional claims that allegedly imply health benefits without adequate regulatory support.
FSSAI Tightens Oversight on Food Marketing
The notices signal a broader crackdown by FSSAI on health-focused marketing practices in the food industry. The regulator has increasingly focused on ensuring that food packaging, labels and advertisements do not mislead consumers through vague, exaggerated or unsupported health claims.
With demand for wellness and nutrition-based products growing rapidly in India, FSSAI has emphasised that all health-related claims must be backed by evidence and comply with established food safety and labelling regulations.
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