Regulators demand corrective action over deceptive nutritional brand claims
Regulators have issued strict warnings to several popular food businesses for breaking safety laws. Officials found multiple violations related to deceptive trade names, questionable nutritional claims, and improper product labels. Consumers in markets across India, including bustling commercial hubs in Bhubaneswar, frequently fall prey to these deceptive marketing tactics on grocery store shelves.
Deceptive Sugar and Ingredient Marketing
Companies often use packaging tricks to mislead buyers. Pluckk faced scrutiny for its mango fruit juice. Packaging boldly claimed no added sugar, but the ingredients listed forty-nine percent sugarcane juice alongside mango pulp. Another brand used the specific name "Natural Paneer" on its outer cover. Officials pointed out that this direct naming convention violates specific schedules of the national food safety regulations.
MasterChow marketed its ramen noodles as freshly made with premium organic flour. However, inspectors discovered the product actually contained standard white flour instead of organic ingredients. Raw Pressery also received a warning for its Alphonso mango drink. Labels stated the beverage contained naturally occurring sugars, yet the ingredient list clearly showed added fructose.
False Health and Nutritional Promises
Many brands boast about health benefits without scientific proof. Gaur Healthy Food printed unauthorised vegetarian tags and anti-cancer claims on its silken tofu packaging. Ferrero India Private Limited caught the attention of authorities regarding its Kinder Joy chocolates. Prominent text claimed the treat was rich in milk solids, but actual ingredient proportions failed to support that statement.
Medizen Labs faced backlash over its ATOM PWR protein powder. Marketing materials promised rapid recovery and easy digestion without providing any scientific evidence. Saffola Total Heart Pro cooking oil also received notices for displaying imagery that implies unverified heart health advantages.
Nutritional supplements also frequently cross the line with their promises. Incipro Gold Vanilla powder faced allegations of making deceptive statements about containing probiotic content and neuro nutrients. Himalayan Organics received a notice for its Korean Ginseng supplement. The product claimed to support energy and performance, which officials deemed deceptive. Regulators also noted that the recommended serving size went far beyond permitted ingredient limits. Meanwhile, ORVILLE failed to declare the mandatory pulp percentage on its Buransh squash packaging while carrying unapproved medicinal claims. Nexa Industries promoted its alkaline nutrient water with unapproved health benefits under an unrecognised category name.
Regulatory Action against Hygiene Issues
Product labeling is not the only area of concern. Food safety officials also act on consumer complaints regarding poor hygiene standards. Bikanervala received a formal notice after a social media complaint surfaced. Videos allegedly showed a staff member eating food inside the operational kitchen area. Regulators directed the company to investigate the incident and submit an action taken report immediately.
Param Dairy Limited also faced scrutiny over fungal contamination in curd products supplied through railway catering services. Officials instructed the dairy brand to explain its inventory management practices to prevent expired goods from reaching buyers. Authorities expect all flagged companies to implement corrective measures quickly to satisfy consumer protection norms. These proactive steps aim to build trust and ensure safety.
