Consumers often rely on the claims printed on food packets to decide what to buy. Phrases like "100% natural", "rich in vitamins", "heart healthy" or "pure" can make products appear healthier than they actually are. However, India's food regulator has now taken action against several food businesses over such claims.— fssaiindia (@fssaiindia) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to multiple food companies for alleged misleading claims, branding and labelling violations. According to the regulator, several products carried health, nutrition or disease-related claims that either lacked scientific backing, were not permitted under regulations or failed to meet labelling requirements.Why has FSSAI issued these notices?FSSAI said the products were found to be making claims that could mislead consumers or violate the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. Some products also failed to provide required information on their labels, while others used terms that could wrongly suggest disease prevention or treatment.Gaur Healthy Food – Silken TofuFSSAI said the product uses the claim "100% Veg", despite its advisory asking food businesses to discontinue this claim. It also advertises itself as "Rich in vitamins" without declaring vitamin quantities on the label.The front of the pack further mentions "Anti-cancer properties", which FSSAI says is a prohibited disease-related claim.MasterChow ramen noodlesMasterChow Foods Pvt. Ltd. has been issued a notice over claims such as "100% Natural" and "Freshly Made", which FSSAI considers misleading.The regulator also pointed out that while the advertisement mentions "High quality organic flour", the ingredient list refers to "premium quality white flour", making the use of the word "organic" misleading.Kinder Joy coated wafer biscuitsFerrero India Private Limited received a notice over the front-of-pack claim "Rich in Milk Solids".According to FSSAI, the ingredient composition does not support the impression that milk solids form a major part of the product.AS-IT-IS ATOM PWR Whey XLMedizen Labs Private Limited has been pulled up for claims including "Pure & Healthy" and "100% authentic".The regulator also said promotional claims such as "Easy Digest", "Lean Muscle Gains & Strength" and "Rapid Recovery" require proper scientific evidence.Saffola Total Heart Pro cooking oilMarico Limited's Saffola Total Heart Pro-Multi Source Cooking Oil has also received a notice.FSSAI said the use of "Heart Pro" along with heart imagery could make consumers believe the product itself improves heart health. Claims such as "Good Fats Balance" and "Losorb for less oil absorption" also require scientific substantiation.Buransh squashMountain Bawarchi Buransh Squash has been questioned for not declaring the percentage of Buransh pulp used in the product.The regulator also objected to disease-related claims such as treating diabetes, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, keeping the heart healthy, nourishing the skin and being effective in asthma, saying such claims require prior approval.Alkaline Nutrient WaterNexa Industries Pvt. Ltd.'s Alkaline Nutrient Water has been issued a notice because the product name is not standardised.FSSAI also flagged claims including support for bone health, weight loss, detoxification, heart health, energy and healthy skin, saying they are not permitted under existing regulations.Raw Pressery Alphonso Mango Fruit DrinkRaw Pressery Pvt. Ltd. has been questioned for the label claim "Contains Naturally Occurring Sugars" despite the product containing added fructose.The regulator also noted that the product label does not mention its product category, making it non-compliant with labelling rules.Incipro Gold Powder VanillaFSSAI found several claims on the nutraceutical product to be misleading.These include "100% hydrolysed whey protein", "improved tolerance in individuals with impaired GI function", "Neuro Nutrients" and "probiotic content", among other promotional claims.Korean Ginseng supplementA Korean Ginseng nutraceutical product has also come under scrutiny.According to FSSAI, the front-of-pack claim "support energy and performance" is misleading. The regulator also said the declared serving size exceeds the maximum permitted range for the ingredient.FSSAI issues notice to Bikanervala over consumer complaintThe Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notice to Bikanervala following a consumer complaint alleging hygiene concerns at its food service and kitchen premises.According to FSSAI, a complaint received through social media alleged that a staff member was consuming food inside the service/kitchen area during operational hours, raising concerns over hygiene and sanitary practices at the establishment.FSSAI has asked Bikanervala to:Furnish details of the investigation conducted into the complaint.Share the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place regarding employee hygiene and conduct in food preparation, storage and service areas.Provide details of the corrective measures taken following the complaint.Submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) indicating action taken against the concerned personnel, if the allegations are found to be substantiated.Ensure compliance with the hygiene and sanitary requirements prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Regulations, 2011.FSSAI issues notice to Param Dairy Limited over consumer complaintFSSAI has also issued a notice to Param Dairy Limited over a consumer complaint alleging fungal contamination in 'dahi' and 'rabri' supplied through IRCTC catering services.The regulator said a complaint received through social media alleged the presence of fungus in the dairy products manufactured by the company and supplied through IRCTC catering.FSSAI has directed Param Dairy Limited to:Furnish details of the product supplied and identify the Food Business Operator (FBO) from whom the product was procured.Share details of inventory management practices to ensure expired food products are not sold or supplied to consumers.Submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) detailing the corrective measures taken after receiving the complaint.Provide details of action taken against the concerned responsible entity (seller/supplier) and the measures implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.Ensure compliance with hygiene and sanitary requirements under the existing Licensing and Registration Regulations and other applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.