New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued notices to three companies, Kubera Foods, Lotte India Corporation Private Limited and Ferns N Petals Private Limited, for alleged misleading claims and labelling issues on their products.
The notices cite non-compliant labels and failure to include required declarations under food safety rules. The firms must respond within seven days explaining why action should not proceed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Lotte India Corporation Private Limited received a notice for using pre-printed labels without approval and for non-compliance in labelling and claims on several items.
Four Lotte products were flagged. Lotte Choco Pie variants with Rich Marshmallow, Real Orange and Choco Burst carry a “100% Vegetarian” claim that FSSAI deems misleading. PEPERO Crunchy Biscuit Sticks and Original Biscuit Sticks lack nutritional details in the required format. LOLLY BLISS Lollipops in various flavours fail to meet vitamin standards. FRUITZ Eclairs in Mango, Orange and Strawberry flavours use a name that may mislead consumers since the items contain no fruit and omit a required disclaimer.
Ferns N Petals’ Almond Chocolate product was flagged for a “Handcrafted Premium Chocolate” claim despite containing hydrogenated vegetable fat instead of cocoa butter, without the mandatory declaration. The nutritional panel also omits %RDA values, and the almond percentage is not listed in ingredients.
Kubera Foods was notified regarding its Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple. The “100% Natural” and “No Preservatives, Colours & Flavours” claims contradict the listed preservative, synthetic colour and added flavouring. Terms such as “Pure”, “Fresh” and “Natural” violate regulations on their use.
