Nestle India Responds After FSSAI Flags Lactogen Pro 1 Labelling Claim
Nestle India has responded to an FSSAI notice asking for scientific evidence to back the Lactogen Pro 1 label claim that its whey protein is “easy to digest”. The food regulator is tightening the scrutiny on health and nutrition claims especially in case of infant food products.
Regarding a claim made on the label of Nestle India's Lactogen Pro 1 infant nourishment product, the company has provided the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) with a comprehensive response. This followed the regulator's demand for proof that the product's whey protein is easily digestible.
The current statement by FSSAI reiterates the points made in its earlier post on 18 September regarding product labels, according to Nestle India's spokeswoman. The company's comprehensive response to FSSAI about this issue has already been provided, the spokesperson added.
FSSAI Putting Strong Vigilant Against Food Business Operators
With its most recent notice, FSSAI demanded proof that the assertion that Lactogen Pro 1 includes whey protein—a component of milk protein that "is easy to digest"—was true. Officials from the relevant agency noted the assertion on the product's label and in promotional materials. Within the time frame specified, it ordered the food company operator to present the necessary paperwork and substantiating scientific data.
This new development is in line with FSSAI's broader efforts to address the issue of alleged deceptive health claims made by various groups, including food manufacturers. Additionally, the food regulator identified non-compliant promotions that pertain to infant nutrition products. The regulator has already raised concerns in notifications about the marketing of baby milk alternatives on digital platforms, as well as assertions about immunity and digestion.
Claims that some components in baby food products helped maintain a healthy immune system had prompted FSSAI to express worry. In addition, it has looked for proof that whey protein is easy to digest. Social media ads that promoted baby milk alternatives by claiming they helped with things like balanced nutrition, immunity, and brain development were also reported.
Reliance Takes FSSAI to Court
FSSAI is facing a lawsuit from Reliance Industries, which is headed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani. The food regulator's restrictions on Reliance's ability to sell Campa-brand products as "energy drinks" have prompted the business to sue. This makes it the most recent beverage manufacturer to oppose the food safety regulator's labelling crackdown. The business reportedly challenged an FSSAI ruling from June 30 with a writ petition on October 1, according to media reports citing court records.
Products made by Campa that contain significant amounts of caffeine cannot be marketed as "energy drinks" according to a recent ruling by the food regulatory authority. Nevertheless, Reliance has not yet made public the court papers that it submitted. The petition states that the stock of Reliance has been confiscated by state officials, who have also directed that the products be removed from sale on online marketplaces.
The business is currently attempting to get the FSSAI order overturned. The petitioner's business operations have been and continue to be significantly disrupted, according to a filing by Reliance Consumer Products Ltd, the beverage part of Reliance.
