FSSAI notices Heritage Foods, Dia Foods, Cipzer over misleading label claims
The food regulator issued notices to three firms for misleading claims on paneer, hazelnut chocolate spread and juice capsules, flagging terms like 'Fresh', 'Healthy', '100% organic', 'Vegan' and 'FSSAI Approved'. The companies have seven days to respond.
What happened
FSSAI issued notices to Heritage Foods, Dia Foods and Cipzer for misleading label claims on paneer, hazelnut chocolate spread and juice capsules, citing
Key facts
- 3 firms
- 7-day deadline
- Vitamin C 0.1%
Why this matters
Heightened regulatory scrutiny on misleading claims could pressure smaller non-compliant food brands, potentially surfacing distressed acquisition targets or diligence red flags in the packaged-foods space.
What to watch
- FSSAI follow-up orders, fines, or recall directives after responses
- Additional company names added to the notice list
- Court filings or public statements contesting the notices
- Retailer/e-commerce delisting of flagged SKUs
- FSSAI issuing updated labeling/claims guidelines
- Named firms file responses/clarifications before the 7-day deadline
- Legal and marketing teams audit all packaging and ad copy for 'Approved', 'Healthy', 'Organic', 'Vegan' claims
- Interim relabeling or claim-removal on affected SKUs (paneer, chocolate spread, juice capsules)
- Peer FMCG brands preemptively review label language to avoid similar notices
- Industry bodies (e.g. FICCI/CII food councils) seek clarity on permitted claim standards