FSSAI widens crackdown on misleading claims, issues notices to Lotte India and Ferns N Petals

From the article

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) expanded its crackdown on misleading food labelling and advertising, issuing notices to Lotte India, Ferns N Petals and Kuberra Foods over alleged violations related to product claims and packaging disclosures. The companies have been directed to respond within seven days, explaining why action should not be initiated against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the relevant rules and regulations. FSSAI has issued notices to several brands over misleading claims & labelling violations in packaged products. The companies have been directed to show cause as to why not action shall be initiated against them. #FSSAINotice #FSSAIAction pic.twitter.com/JlHaiNLMRG — FSSAI (@fssaiindia) July 8, 2026 The latest action comes days after the regulator issued notices to several beverage companies for allegedly marketing products as "energy drinks" despite not meeting the prescribed standards, signalling a broader enforcement drive against misleading claims in the food and beverage sector. According to the notices, FSSAI has flagged multiple claims made by Lotte India across its confectionery portfolio. The regulator questioned the "100% Vegetarian" claim on certain Lotte Choco Pie products and also raised concerns over Fruitz Eclairs, stating that the product name could mislead consumers into believing it contains fruit when it does not. Meanwhile, Ferns N Petals has received a notice over its Roasted Almond Chocolate, which was marketed as "Premium Chocolate" despite containing hydrogenated vegetable fat. FSSAI also pointed to deficiencies in ingredient declarations and nutritional information on the product label. Kuberra Foods has also come under the regulator's scanner for claims such as "100% Natural" and "No Preservatives, Colours & Flavours" on its Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple. According to FSSAI, the product label itself declared the presence of a preservative, synthetic food colour and added flavouring substances, making the claims potentially misleading.