FSSAI Issues Notices Over Misleading Paneer and Labelling Claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notices on 6 July 2026 to Heritage Foods Limited, Dia Foods, and Cipzer Nutraceuticals for alleged misleading claims and labelling violations. The authority functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and regulates food safety, advertising claims, and product labelling in India.

FSSAI and its regulatory framework

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The authority frames and enforces standards for food products, food additives, labelling, packaging, and advertising claims. The Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, govern claims such as “fresh”, “healthy”, “organic”, and “vegan”.

Heritage Foods Limited notice

Heritage Foods Limited received a notice for its product “Heritage Fresh Paneer”. The claim “Fresh Paneer” was found to be inconsistent with the conditions prescribed under Schedule V for the use of the term “Fresh”. The authority also objected to the use of the term “Healthy” in the trademark or name “Healthy Happiness” under Regulation 8(3) of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.

Dia Foods and Cipzer Nutraceuticals notices

Dia Foods received a notice for its “La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread” over claims such as “all natural”, “100% organic”, and “vegan”. These claims require compliance with applicable regulations and prior approval for organic and vegan endorsements. Cipzer Nutraceuticals received a notice for its “Juice Capsules” over claims including “FSSAI Approved”, “boost your immune system”, “remove toxins from your body”, and “made with organic vegetables”, for which scientific substantiation was not provided.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is the apex food regulator in India.
• The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, provides the legal basis for food regulation in India.
• Schedule V of the advertising and claims framework contains conditions for the use of certain descriptive terms.
• FSSAI licences food businesses, but it does not individually “approve” products in the manner claimed by some brands.

Compliance and enforcement

The three companies were directed to submit explanations within seven days from 6 July 2026. Failure to respond may lead to action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.