The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued more than 150 notices to food companies in recent months over alleged misleading advertisements, false claims and violations of labelling rules.
The food regulator announced the action on Saturday, naming several major companies among those that have received notices. “Over 150 notices issued for misleading advertisements, false claims & labelling non-compliances," FSSAI said in a social media post.
The list released by FSSAI includes Nestle India, PepsiCo, Abbott India, Red Bull India, Danone India, Monster Energy India, Hell Energy, Mondelez India, Coca-Cola India, Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Ferrero India and Kenvue Inc.
Action extends to e-commerce firms
FSSAI said it has been taking action against food business operators for violations of food safety laws and regulations over the past few months.
The regulator said it has also seized products from several companies over alleged regulatory violations. The action has included manufacturers of energy drinks and alcoholic beverages.
The enforcement drive has also reached online retailers and food service businesses.
FSSAI said it has issued 12 notices to e-commerce companies, including Amazon and Flipkart.
The regulator also said that the licence of one Amazon warehouse has been cancelled following enforcement action.
Food service businesses also face notices
More than 30 notices have also been issued to food service establishments, including KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s and Costa Coffee.
FSSAI said it has suspended five Domino’s licences as part of its enforcement action.
The regulator had also issued notices to several five-star hotels last year.
Companies begin corrective measures
FSSAI said that several companies have started taking corrective measures after receiving notices from the regulator.
The latest action is part of FSSAI’s continuing enforcement drive to ensure compliance with food safety, advertising and labelling regulations.