India’s food regulator FSSAI has issued show‑cause notices to Kubera Foods, Ferns N Petals and Lotte India for misleading packaging claims. Products marketed as ‘100 % Natural’, ‘Premium Chocolate’ and ‘100 % Vegetarian’ were found to contain preservatives, vegetable fats and no fruit at all. The move aims to ensure consumers receive truthful product information.
New Delhi – The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has served formal show‑cause notices to three major food companies – Lotte India Corporation, Ferns N Petals and Kubera Foods – over alleged false claims on their packaging. The notices demand a detailed response within seven days, after which further action under the Food Safety and Standards Act may be taken.
Misleading Claims and Their Consequences
Kubera Foods promoted its Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple as “100 % Natural” while the label simultaneously listed preservatives, synthetic colour and flavouring agents. Similarly, Ferns N Petals marketed Roasted Almond Chocolate as a “Premium Chocolate”, yet the product contained hydrogenated vegetable fat instead of cocoa butter and failed to disclose almond content or mandatory nutritional information.
Multiple Infractions by Lotte India
Lotte India’s portfolio attracted several violations. Certain “Choco Pie” variants carried a “100 % Vegetarian” claim that did not match the ingredient list. Fruit‑flavoured Fruitz Eclairs contained no fruit, and Pepero biscuit sticks were sold without any nutritional data. The regulator also flagged outdated pre‑printed labels and vitamin‑level breaches on some lollipops.
Consumer Awareness and Regulatory Response
Monita Gehlot, a dietitian at AIIMS Delhi, emphasized, “Food labels are a primary source of information for consumers. Front‑pack claims must be consistent with the detailed information on the back. Shoppers should always read the ingredient list, nutrition facts, allergen declarations, and other mandatory disclosures before making a purchase.” FSSAI’s rigorous scrutiny underscores its commitment to protecting consumer interests and restoring trust in the food market.
Looking Ahead
Experts anticipate that regulators will tighten enforcement of labeling standards and encourage companies to adopt voluntary audits and certification schemes. Such measures are expected to raise the overall quality of food products in India and empower consumers with reliable information.
