FSSAI sends notice to food brands over misleading claims on paneer, chocolate spread

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has intensified its crackdown on misleading food advertisements and product labelling by issuing notices to three food companies—Cipzer, Dia Foods, and Heritage Foods Limited.

The notices cite alleged violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.

The food regulator has directed all three companies to submit explanations within seven days, failing which action may be initiated under the provisions of the FSS Act and related regulations.

Cipzer Pulled Up for Unsubstantiated Health Claims

FSSAI issued a notice to Cipzer over the marketing and labelling of its Cipzer Nutraceuticals Juice Capsules, alleging that several claims made on the product are misleading and lack scientific backing.

According to the regulator, the product prominently displayed the phrase "FSSAI Approved," which could create the false impression that the product had received a special endorsement or approval from FSSAI. The authority clarified that such a claim is deceptive because FSSAI grants licences to food businesses but does not individually "approve" products in the manner suggested.

The notice also questioned health claims such as:

• "Boost your immune system"
• "Remove toxins from your body"

FSSAI stated that no scientific evidence or substantiation had been provided to support these claims.

Further, the regulator observed that the product packaging featured images of vegetables, including tomato, cucumber, broccoli, cabbage, and coriander, although these ingredients were reportedly not declared in the ingredient list.

The authority also raised concerns regarding nutritional declarations. While the label mentioned the presence of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, it allegedly failed to declare the quantity of Vitamin E. Vitamin C was listed at only 0.1% without providing the required percentage contribution towards the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).

Additionally, FSSAI objected to the phrase "Made with Organic Vegetables," stating that the product lacked the prescribed organic certification marks, including the Jaivik Bharat logo, thereby making the claim potentially misleading.

Dia Foods Faces Action Over '100% Organic' and 'Vegan' Claims

In a separate notice, FSSAI questioned the claims made by Dia Foods on its La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread.

The company has been accused of making marketing claims such as:

• "All Natural"
• "100% Organic"
• "Vegan"

According to FSSAI, the claim "All Natural" does not satisfy the conditions laid down under Schedule V governing the use of the term "Natural" and may therefore mislead consumers.

The regulator further stated that using terms like "100% Organic" and "Vegan" creates the impression that the product has officially obtained the necessary endorsements. However, FSSAI alleged that the company had not obtained prior approval for organic food and vegan food endorsements under its FSSAI licence.

The authority also referred to its advisory dated May 28, 2026, noting that the use of the term "100%" is not defined or recognised under the Food Safety and Standards Act or related regulations. Consequently, describing the product as "100% Organic" was considered misleading.

Heritage Foods Served Notice Over 'Fresh' and 'Healthy' Claims

FSSAI also issued a notice to Heritage Foods Limited concerning the labelling of its Heritage Fresh Paneer.

The regulator stated that the use of the expression "Fresh Paneer" does not satisfy the prescribed conditions under Schedule V for using the term "Fresh." According to the authority, such wording is liable to mislead consumers into believing that the product possesses characteristics that may not meet the regulatory definition of "fresh."

The notice additionally questioned the use of the word "Healthy" in the company's trademark or branding, "Healthy Happiness."

FSSAI observed that the use of the term "Healthy" is not in conformity with Regulation 8(3) of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. The regulator said the branding could create the impression that the product inherently promotes or enhances health, making it a potentially misleading claim.

Seven-Day Deadline for Response

In all three cases, FSSAI has directed the companies to explain within seven days why action should not be initiated against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed thereunder.

The notices are part of FSSAI's broader effort to strengthen consumer protection by ensuring that food labels and advertisements are truthful, scientifically substantiated, and compliant with regulatory standards.

Growing Focus on Misleading Food Marketing

The latest notices underline FSSAI's increasing scrutiny of exaggerated health, organic, natural, and freshness claims in the food sector. Regulatory experts believe the move sends a strong message to food manufacturers that promotional claims must be be supported by scientific evidence and comply with established labelling norms.

Consumer rights advocates have welcomed the action, stating that misleading claims can influence purchasing decisions and create false perceptions about the nutritional or health benefits of food products.

If violations are established after the companies' responses are examined, FSSAI may initiate further regulatory action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Key Companies Issued Notices:

• Cipzer – Cipzer Nutraceuticals Juice Capsules
• Dia Foods – La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
• Heritage Foods Limited – Heritage Fresh Paneer

The development reflects FSSAI's continuing emphasis on transparent food labelling and truthful advertising to safeguard consumer interests and promote informed food choices.