The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken action against three prominent food business operators, citing violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, due to misleading claims on their product labels. The companies — Heritage Foods Ltd., Dia Foods, and Cipzer — have been directed to implement corrective measures and provide explanations within a week regarding the alleged infractions.
Heritage Foods Cited for 'Fresh Paneer' and 'Healthy Happiness' Claims
Heritage Foods Ltd. received a notice concerning its Heritage Fresh Paneer product. The FSSAI deemed the claim "Fresh Paneer" to be misleading, as it does not meet the specified conditions for the term "Fresh" under Schedule V of the regulations. Additionally, the regulator objected to the use of "Healthy" within the trademark "Healthy Happiness," asserting that it implies inherent health benefits without conforming to Regulation 8(3) of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.
Dia Foods Questioned Over '100% Organic' and 'Vegan' Assertions
Dia Foods was issued a notice regarding its La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread. The FSSAI challenged claims such as "All Natural," "100% organic," and "Vegan." The "All Natural" claim was found to be non-compliant with the conditions for using the term "Natural." Furthermore, the regulator highlighted that "100% organic" and "Vegan" claims create an impression of organic and vegan status without the necessary prior FSSAI approvals or endorsements. An advisory from May 28, 2026, was referenced, stating that the term "100%" is undefined under the FSS Act, rendering the "100% organic" claim misleading.
Cipzer Faces Scrutiny for 'FSSAI Approved' and Health Benefit Claims
Cipzer also received a notice concerning the labeling and promotional materials for its Nutraceuticals Juice Capsules. The FSSAI objected to claims including "FSSAI Approved," "Boost your immune system," "Remove toxins for your body," and "Made with Organic Vegetables." The "FSSAI Approved" claim was deemed misleading for potentially suggesting specific endorsement by the regulator. The company was also asked to provide scientific substantiation for its health claims. Moreover, the FSSAI noted that while the product packaging displayed images of various vegetables, these ingredients were not declared on the ingredient list. Deficiencies in vitamin declarations were also identified, including an undeclared quantity of Vitamin E and a very low percentage (0.1%) of Vitamin C without sufficient information on Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) contribution. The "Made with Organic Vegetables" claim was also challenged due to the absence of prescribed organic certification marks like the Jaivik Bharat logo.
Seven-Day Deadline for Compliance
All three companies are required to submit their explanations within seven days, detailing why regulatory action should not be initiated against them under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its associated rules and regulations.