India’s food regulator has asked Nestlé India and Hindustan Unilever to explain alleged breaches involving nutrition claims, product descriptions and regulatory approval.
FSSAI announced the notices on October 17. They cover products with different compliance questions; the announcement does not amount to a court finding that either company committed an offence.
For HUL, the regulator challenged claims attached to Horlicks Women’s Plus Chocolate and Mother’s Plus Kesar. Its objections concern statements about bone health, muscles and birth weight, among other claims.
HUL disputes the allegations and says the products meet regulatory requirements, according to its response reported by Investing.com. The company said it would supply scientific and regulatory evidence.
Nestlé’s Nescafé ready-to-drink range faces questions over inconsistent descriptions on packaging and online listings. FSSAI also alleges that Resource Renal Vanilla Flavour Powder, intended for the dietary management of chronic kidney disease, lacked the required prior approval.
The companies have been directed to respond. FSSAI said further action could follow if their explanations are unsatisfactory.
A show-cause notice gives the recipient an opportunity to answer the regulator’s case. It should not be read as a conviction or as proof that every product sold by the company is unsafe.
