FSSAI Regulates Healthy and Organic Food Claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food labelling, brand names, and product claims under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. In June 2026, FSSAI issued notices to food business operators for using claims such as “healthy”, “organic”, “zero maida”, “true vitamin”, and “plant-based vegan” on packaged foods.

Food Labelling under Indian Law

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, is the principal law for food safety regulation in India. FSSAI frames and enforces standards for food composition, labelling, advertising, and misleading claims under this law. Food labels in India are governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, which require truthful product descriptions and clear ingredient disclosure. Trade names and brand names that create a false impression about a product’s nature can attract regulatory action.

Claims Used on Packaged Foods

FSSAI has examined claims such as “healthy”, “zero maida”, “true vitamin”, and “plant-based vegan” because such terms can be used as marketing descriptors on packaged foods. The regulator has also questioned the use of “organic” in trade names when certification requirements are not met. “Zero maida” claims have been flagged in products that contain ingredients such as wheat flour and wheat gluten. “True vitamin” has been questioned because it is not a defined or recognised term under applicable food regulations.

Organic Certification and Vegan Labelling

Organic food products in India are linked to certification systems such as the National Programme for Organic Production and the Participatory Guarantee System. Certified organic products may use the Jaivik Bharat logo, which is associated with organic food labelling in India. Plant-based or vegan claims may require compliance with labelling rules and endorsement conditions on the FSSAI licence. A product description that creates an impression of vegan certification without approval can attract scrutiny under food law.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• The National Programme for Organic Production is India’s certification framework for organic products.
• The Participatory Guarantee System is used for organic certification in India, especially for small producers.
• The Jaivik Bharat logo is used for certified organic food products in India.

Regulatory Action and Penalties

FSSAI can direct food business operators to correct labels, remove misleading claims, and comply with display regulations. Non-compliance can lead to financial penalties, product recalls, or suspension of licences under the food safety framework.