FSSAI Cracks Down on Misleading ‘Healthy’ Food Claims, Issues Notices to 8 Brands

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to eight food companies for allegedly using misleading brand names, product labels, and marketing claims that may violate provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The companies that received notices include Emami Healthy & Tasty, Health Aid, Troovy, The Healthy Factory, Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, Plan B, and Neuherbs.

According to the regulator, several of these brands use terms such as “healthy,” “true vitamin,” and “vegan” in ways that could create a false impression about the nature or nutritional value of their products.

Among the companies flagged is Emami Healthy & Tasty, the edible oils business of the Emami Group. FSSAI stated that the brand name itself could potentially mislead consumers and may not comply with applicable food safety regulations.

Plant-based food company Plan B has also come under scrutiny. The regulator noted that while the company promotes its products as vegan, it had not obtained the necessary approval for vegan food endorsement under its FSSAI licence.

The Healthy Factory was served notices over products such as its “Zero Maida Whole Wheat Bread” and “Zero Maida Pizza Base.” FSSAI questioned whether these claims accurately represent the ingredients used in the products and whether they comply with existing labelling regulations.

Neuherbs’ “True Vitamin” product range was also flagged. The regulator said the term is not defined or recognised under FSSAI guidelines, making it potentially misleading for consumers.

Snack brand Troovy was pulled up for products carrying names such as “Healthy Mix Veggie Chips,” “Healthy Ragi Chips,” and “Healthy Moong Dal Chips.” FSSAI indicated that the use of the word “healthy” may be inappropriate given the overall ingredient composition of the products.

The regulator also raised concerns over Healthy Master’s tagline “Vision to Serve Healthy,” Healthy Choice’s product branding “Healthy Food for Healthy Life Poha,” and Health Aid’s brand name, stating that such claims could influence consumer perception in a manner inconsistent with regulatory norms.

The action is part of FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food labelling standards and ensure consumers are not misled by health-related marketing claims on packaged food products.