Food safety regulator serves notices to Nestle India and Zydus Wellness over product claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued notices to Nestle India and Zydus Wellness over misleading claims made in their product advertisements. Both companies must now provide scientific proof to support these claims.

Specific Products

For Nestle India, notices target two food products named Lactogen Pro 1 Powder and Nan Excella Pro Stage 1. The company claimed that Lactogen Pro 1 contains whey protein which is part of milk protein that is easy to digest, and the regulator has asked for scientific proof for this statement. Regarding Nan Excella Pro Stage 1, the product claimed that five human milk oligosaccharides help support a normal immune system. The regulator found this claim non-compliant because rules prohibit claims about preventing, treating, or curing diseases, disorders, or specific conditions unless the law allows it.

Zydus Wellness

Zydus Wellness Product Ltd received a notice over its food product Complan. The product label shows images of two children alongside claims such as two times faster growth, supports concentration and memory, and pro immunity plus 34 vital nutrients. The regulator stated these claims violate the Food Safety and Standards Advertising and Claims Regulations of 2018. Another claim stating that growth comes in four flavours was also found to breach these same advertising regulations.

Context

Food regulators routinely examine product labels and advertisements to protect consumers from exaggerated or unproven health claims made by brands. Companies face strict rules on how they market food and nutrition products, especially when items target infants and children. Regulators often require businesses to submit formal scientific proof whenever they advertise specific health benefits to the public.