The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its crackdown on misleading advertisements and labelling violations, issuing more than 150 notices to food companies in recent months, including several major Indian and global brands.
According to FSSAI, the notices were issued over misleading advertisements, false claims and violations of food labelling regulations.
Major Brands Face Regulatory Action
In a social media update, FSSAI named several companies against which enforcement action has been taken. The list includes Nestle India, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola India, Abbott India, Red Bull India, Danone India and Monster Energy India.Other companies named by the regulator include Hell Energy, Mondelez India, Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Ferrero India and Kenvue.FSSAI said action has been taken against various food business operators for violations of food safety laws and regulations.The regulator has also stepped up scrutiny of energy drink and alcoholic beverage companies. According to FSSAI, products from several companies were seized following violations.
E-Commerce Companies Also Under Scanner
The crackdown has also extended to online marketplaces. FSSAI said it has issued 12 notices to e-commerce companies, including Amazon and Flipkart.As part of its enforcement drive, the regulator has also cancelled the licence of one Amazon warehouse.
Restaurants Face Action
Food service establishments and restaurant chains have also come under the regulator’s scanner. More than 30 notices have been issued to outlets and chains including KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s and Costa Coffee.
FSSAI said five licences linked to Domino’s have been suspended. The regulator had also issued notices to several five-star hotels last year.The latest enforcement drive reflects increased scrutiny of food companies, restaurants and online platforms over consumer-facing claims, food safety and labelling compliance.
Earlier this week, FSSAI said several companies had begun taking corrective measures after receiving notices from the regulator.