The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its crackdown on misleading food labelling by issuing show-cause notices to Lotte India Corporation Pvt. Ltd., Ferns N Petals Pvt. Ltd., and Kubera Foods, alleging that several products carried front-of-pack claims that could mislead consumers about their ingredients and nutritional value.

According to the food regulator, the products were marketed using descriptions such as “fruit candy” despite containing little or no fruit, and “chocolate” despite lacking cocoa, raising concerns over compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. FSSAI stated that such claims have the potential to mislead consumers by creating a false impression about the composition and quality of food products.

The regulator has sought explanations from the companies regarding the alleged violations and warned that misleading labels undermine consumer trust and informed purchasing decisions. The move is part of FSSAI’s broader efforts to strengthen transparency in food labelling and ensure that product names, packaging and promotional claims accurately reflect the actual ingredients.

The action follows a series of recent regulatory measures by FSSAI aimed at curbing deceptive marketing practices in the food industry. The authority has previously directed food businesses to avoid using misleading terms such as “100%,” “natural,” “healthy,” or “pure” unless supported by scientific evidence and compliant with existing food safety regulations.

India’s packaged food market has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, driven by rising urbanisation, changing dietary habits and increasing consumer demand for convenience foods. Healthcare and nutrition experts believe accurate front-of pack labelling plays a crucial role in helping consumers make informed dietary choices, particularly amid rising cases of obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle related diseases.

Public health experts have welcomed FSSAI’s action, stating that strict enforcement against misleading food claims is essential for protecting consumer rights and improving transparency in the food industry. They have also called for stronger surveillance and regular audits to ensure compliance with labelling standards across the packaged food sector.

The latest enforcement action underscores FSSAI’s commitment to strengthening food safety regulations and promoting truthful food labelling, reinforcing consumer confidence while encouraging greater accountability among food manufacturers and marketers.