Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 21: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Wednesday issued a notice to Nestle India, seeking scientific evidence to substantiate the claim that the whey protein in its Lactogen Pro 1 Powder is easy to digest.

According to the food regulator, the claim appeared on the product’s packaging or advertising material. The company has been directed to submit scientific substantiation, along with all relevant documents and supporting evidence, within the stipulated timeframe.

“FSSAI has issued notices to Food Business Operators (FBOs) regarding misleading claims and non-compliant promotions involving products like Lactogen Pro 1 Powder, Nan Excella Pro Stage 1 and infant milk substitutes,” the regulator said.

The claim that the product “contains Whey Protein, which is a part of milk protein that is easy to digest” was observed on the packaging or advertising material. The company was asked to provide scientific evidence supporting the assertion that whey protein is easy to digest, FSSAI stated.

The action is part of a wider crackdown by the food regulator on misleading claims and promotional practices that do not comply with applicable regulations. The exercise covers several products marketed by different companies, including nutritional and infant-feeding products such as Complan and Nan Excella Pro Stage 1.

FSSAI said food business operators must ensure that claims made on product labels, packaging and advertisements are supported by adequate scientific evidence and comply with the country’s food safety and advertising regulations.

The regulator also directed the companies concerned to explain why action should not be initiated against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed under it, within the prescribed period from the date of issuance of the notices.