The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken a big step regarding the health and food safety of consumers in the country. The regulator has issued show cause notices to more than 150 leading food and beverage companies in recent months over misleading advertisements, false claims about products and non-compliance with labeling rules. The scope of this action includes multinational brands like Nestle India, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola India, as well as e-commerce platforms and big restaurant chains. Major food and beverage companies come under the ambit of action According to information released by FSSAI, several categories of Food Business Operators (FBOs) have been cracked down on serious violations of food safety laws: FMCG and beverage giants: Nestle India, PepsiCo India, Coca-Cola India, Mondelez India, Danone India, Ferrero India and Kenvue Inc. Energy drinks and nutrition companies: Red Bull India, Monster Energy, Hell Energy and Abbott India Limited. Alcoholic beverage manufacturers: Diageo and Pernod Ricard. Action on e-commerce and quick commerce too: License of warehouse canceled The regulator's investigation was not limited to manufacturing companies only, but strict steps have also been taken on online delivery and e-commerce marketplaces: Notice to Amazon and Flipkart: 12 notices were sent to e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart Minutes/Flipkart) on expiry dates, unapproved products and violation of labeling rules. Amazon warehouse license cancelled: Due to serious disregard for the rules, the food license of a major Amazon warehouse has also been cancelled. Action on fast food chains and hotels: 5 Domino's licenses suspended Over 30 notices issued during probe into quality, calorie disclosure and menu labeling at food service establishments: Fast food outlets: KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Costa Coffee and Domino's served notices over violation of standards. License Suspension: Licenses of 5 Domino's outlets have been suspended for violating the standards. Luxury Hotels: International five-star hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Radisson and Shangri-La have also been sent notices under the menu labeling rules. Strict ban on misleading claims and '100% natural' advertisements As per FSSAI (Advertising and Claims) regulations, no company can advertise its packaged food without scientific evidence. "100% natural", "pure", "fresh" Or cannot make misleading claims like increasing immunity. Also, it is mandatory to clearly mention the ingredients, correct amount of sodium, sugar and fat and %RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) present in the product. The regulator has made it clear that the products of companies violating the rules are being confiscated from the market. Many companies have started taking corrective actions after receiving the notice.
