Nestle's low-fat dairy whitener declared unsafe, substandard by food regulator
FSSAI has declared a sample of Nestle's Low Fat Dairy Whitener unsafe and substandard after laboratory analysis. Bharat Hotels has been told to stop selling the identified product while consumers are advised to verify affected batches.
A sample of Nestle’s “Low Fat Dairy Whitener” has been declared unsafe and substandard following a laboratory analysis conducted under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The sample was collected from the premises of M/s Bharat Hotels Ltd. (The Lalit) in Connaught Place, New Delhi, according to a notice shared by FSSAI.
WHAT THE FSSAI ANALYSIS FOUND
The Food Analyst’s laboratory examined the Nestle Low Fat Dairy Whitener sample and found it non-compliant under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Following the analysis, the findings were communicated to the food business operator. A copy of the laboratory analysis report was also provided for reference and necessary action.
FSSAI subsequently issued a notice to Bharat Hotels Ltd. regarding the non-compliant Nestle product.
SALE OF IDENTIFIED PRODUCT PROHIBITED
The food business operator was given an opportunity to appeal against the Food Analyst’s report within the prescribed period under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Meanwhile, authorities directed the food business operator to immediately prohibit the sale of the identified product.
Consumers have been advised to follow official updates and verify product information before purchasing or consuming affected batches.
The development highlights the role of food safety authorities in testing packaged food products and taking action when samples fail to meet prescribed safety and quality standards.
NESTLE SAYS IT COMPLIES WITH REGULATIONS
In response to the report, Nestle India said its Low Fat Dairy Whitener is safe to consume and complies with all applicable regulatory requirements.
The company said phosphorus occurs naturally in milk and is therefore present in milk-based products. It added that FSSAI lab reports reflect total phosphorus against the additive limit without accounting for naturally occurring phosphorus from milk-based ingredients.
Nestle said its product complies with prescribed limits for added phosphorus under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, including on an as-consumed basis. The company also said it has been engaging with authorities through due process and has shared data on similar milk-based products to highlight the presence of naturally occurring phosphorus.