Food regulator seeks scientific evidence to substantiate advertisements for Nestlé’s Lactogen Pro 1 Powder and Nan Excella Pro Stage 1, as well as Zydus Wellness’ Complan.
NEW DELHI, (Economy India): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Nestlé India and Zydus Wellness Products Ltd over allegedly misleading claims and non-compliant promotions involving certain food products, asking the companies to provide scientific evidence to support their advertisements.
In a social media post on Tuesday, the food regulator said it had issued notices to Nestlé India concerning two products — Lactogen Pro 1 Powder and Nan Excella Pro Stage 1.
FSSAI has also issued a notice to Zydus Wellness Products Ltd over allegedly misleading claims and advertisements relating to its Complan food product.
The notices highlight the regulator’s scrutiny of promotional claims made by food companies and the need for advertisements to be supported by appropriate scientific evidence.
Nestlé India Faces Notices Over Two Products
According to FSSAI, the notices to Nestlé India concern alleged misleading claims and non-compliant promotional activities involving Lactogen Pro 1 Powder and Nan Excella Pro Stage 1.
The regulator has asked the company to provide scientific evidence supporting the claims made in advertisements for the products.
The notices place the spotlight on the importance of ensuring that food product promotions comply with applicable food safety and advertising requirements.
The regulatory action relates to the claims and promotions identified by FSSAI. The information provided in the announcement does not specify the individual claims under scrutiny or detail Nestlé India’s response.
Zydus Wellness Asked to Substantiate Complan Claims
FSSAI has separately issued a notice to Zydus Wellness Products Ltd concerning allegedly misleading claims and advertisements for Complan.
The company has been asked to support its product-related advertising claims with scientific evidence, according to the regulator’s announcement.
The notice brings advertising practices in the packaged food and nutrition products market under scrutiny, particularly the need for companies to ensure that claims made to consumers are adequately substantiated.
Further details about the specific Complan advertisements or claims questioned by the regulator were not included in the information released.
FSSAI Focuses on Evidence-Based Food Advertising
FSSAI is India’s statutory food regulator, responsible for overseeing food safety and compliance with applicable standards under the country’s food safety framework.
Scientific substantiation is important when companies make product claims in advertisements, as consumers may rely on such information when making purchasing decisions.
Regulatory scrutiny of promotional claims is intended to ensure that food-related advertising meets applicable requirements and does not mislead consumers.
In this case, the notices seek evidence supporting the claims associated with the products identified by the authority.
Companies’ Responses Awaited
The notices to Nestlé India and Zydus Wellness represent regulatory action concerning the identified product claims and advertisements. The information available in the announcement does not establish the final outcome of the proceedings.
The companies’ responses, along with any further clarification from FSSAI, may provide additional details about the claims under examination and the next steps in the matter.
The development underscores the importance of transparent, accurate and scientifically supported product advertising in India’s food industry.
(Economy India)
