FSSAI Issues Notices to Lotte India, Ferns N Petals Over Labelling Violations
FSSAI has issued show cause notices to Lotte India and Ferns N Petals over alleged misleading claims and labelling violations across several packaged food products.
SociapaHQ
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued show cause notices to Lotte India Corporation Private Limited and Ferns N Petals Private Limited for alleged misleading claims and labelling violations on several packaged food items.
The regulator has asked both the companies to file their explanations within seven days as to why action should not be initiated against them under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the rules and regulations framed thereunder.
Also Read: YouTube Launches Gifts Feature for Creators in India
Allegations Against Lotte India:
FSSAI, in its notice to Lotte India, alleged that the company had sold pre-printed labels that were non-compliant carrying its erstwhile corporate name “Lotte India Corporation Limited” without prior approval.
The regulator also raised concerns about the 100% Vegetarian claim on Lotte Choco Pie with Rich Marshmallow, Lotte Choco Pie Real Orange and Lotte Choco Pie Choco Burst, saying the claim could mislead consumers.
Pepero Crunchy Biscuit Sticks Carton and Pepero Original Biscuit Sticks did not provide nutritional information as prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, FSSAI said.
The authority further claimed that Lolly Bliss Lollipop products in Orange, Strawberry and Kaccha Mango variants did not conform to prescribed vitamin levels under Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations.
FSSAI also said Fruitz Eclairs in Mango, Orange and Strawberry flavours can create a false impression in consumers as the products do not contain fruits in spite of their product names. The regulator stated that the products also lacked the mandatory front-of-pack disclaimer when brand or trade names imply the presence of ingredients that are not present.
Also Read: Rasna Rolls Out 1-Litre Jumpin Across India, Launches New Campaign
Notice to Ferns N Petals:
FSSAI had separately flagged Almonds Roasted Almond Chocolate of Ferns N Petals.
The regulator said the product is sold as "Premium Chocolate" but contains hydrogenated vegetable fat (not cocoa butter).
FSSAI claimed that the packaging lacked the mandatory declaration required for chocolates containing vegetable fats in addition to cocoa butter under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations.
The authority said that the nutrition information panel did not mention the percentage Recommended Dietary Allowance (%RDA) values as per Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
Also, the product is advertised as Almond Chocolate and has pictures of almonds on its packaging but the ingredient list does not indicate the percentage of almonds used; the regulator said this is a breach of labelling requirements.
FSSAI has directed both companies to submit their responses within seven days.
The regulator said that if satisfactory explanations are not received within the stipulated period, it may initiate action under the applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the relevant regulations governing food labelling, advertising and product standards.
