Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 8: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Lotte India Corporation Private Limited, Kubera Foods and Ferns N Petals (FNP), alleging violations related to misleading product claims and non-compliance with food labelling regulations.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X on Wednesday, the food safety regulator said the three companies have been asked to respond within seven days, explaining why regulatory action should not be taken against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
According to the regulator, Lotte India Corporation was found using pre-printed packaging bearing its previous company name without obtaining the necessary approval. FSSAI also objected to the "100 per cent vegetarian" claim on certain Choco Pie variants, stating that the claim could mislead consumers.
The authority further pointed out that the company's PEPERO Crunchy Biscuit Sticks Carton and PEPERO Original Biscuit Sticks did not present nutritional information in the prescribed format. It also alleged that the vitamin content in Lolly Bliss lollipops did not meet the standards laid down under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations.
In addition, the regulator raised concerns over Lotte's FRUITZ Eclairs products, stating that the product name could create the impression that the confectionery contains fruit even though it does not. It also noted that the mandatory front-of-pack disclaimer required in such cases was absent.
Kubera Foods has also received a notice over its 'Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple' product. FSSAI alleged that the packaging prominently displayed claims such as "100 per cent Natural" and "No Preservatives, Colours & Flavours", despite the ingredient list declaring the use of preservative INS 282, synthetic food colour INS 110 and added flavouring substances.
The regulator further stated that the use of terms including "Pure", "Fresh" and "Natural" on the product packaging was inconsistent with the provisions governing such claims under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations.
Meanwhile, Ferns N Petals was served a notice over its 'Roasted Almond Chocolate' product. According to FSSAI, the product was marketed as "Premium Chocolate" despite containing hydrogenated vegetable fat and lacking the mandatory declaration required for chocolates made with vegetable fat in addition to cocoa butter.
The regulator also observed that the product label did not include the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) values in its nutrition information panel and failed to disclose the percentage of almonds used in the formulation, even though almonds were prominently featured on the packaging.
FSSAI has directed all three companies to submit their responses within seven days. It warned that failure to provide satisfactory explanations could result in action under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.