FSSAI Cracks Down on Nestlé and Hindustan Unilever Over ‘Misleading’ Health Claims

India’s apex food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has escalated its scrutiny of multinational food corporations, issuing “show cause” notices to Nestlé India and Hindustan Unilever (HUL). The regulator alleges that both companies have utilized deceptive marketing practices and failed to comply with mandatory labeling standards for key nutritional products.

Scrutiny Intensifies for Nestlé India

The FSSAI’s latest action against Nestlé India centers on its “Resource Renal” vanilla-flavored powder, a product specifically marketed toward patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. According to the regulator, the product falls under the classification of “Food for Special Medical Purpose” (FSMP).

The authority pointed out that Nestlé failed to obtain the necessary statutory approval required for products under the FSMP category. Furthermore, the regulator highlighted a lapse in labeling protocol, noting the absence of the mandatory symbol—either green for vegetarian or brown for non-vegetarian—which is a prerequisite for all packaged food products sold in the Indian market. Nestlé has been directed to provide a formal explanation for these regulatory oversights within a stipulated timeframe.

Challenges for Hindustan Unilever’s Horlicks Brand

Hindustan Unilever (HUL) is facing similar pressure regarding two prominent offerings in its health food drinks portfolio: Horlicks Women’s Plus Chocolate and Horlicks Mother’s Plus Kesar.

Regarding the Women’s Plus variant, the FSSAI has questioned the scientific validity of claims such as “Nutrition for Strong Bones” and the assertion that the product is “Clinically Proven to Help Improve Bone Strength in 6 Months.” The regulator also expressed concern over the “No Added Sugar” label, noting that the product’s maltodextrin content—a processed carbohydrate—makes this claim technically problematic. Additionally, the FSSAI flagged the “100% RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of Calcium, Vitamin D & K2” and “Healthy Muscles” claims as misleading, alongside concerns regarding the presentation of the nutritional information table.

The inquiry into Horlicks Mother’s Plus Kesar is focused on marketing language that implies the product itself facilitates a “Healthy Birth Weight.” The FSSAI stated that such phrasing is potentially misleading, as it erroneously suggests that the food item provides direct, guaranteed health benefits for the fetus.

A Broader Regulatory Trend

These notices are part of a growing trend of rigorous enforcement by the FSSAI as it seeks to curb perceived malpractice in the food and beverage industry. In recent months, the regulator has taken a firm stance against various high-profile brands. This includes legal and regulatory friction with Dabur India over “organic” labeling, as well as warnings issued to manufacturers of energy drinks and liquor brands concerning the transparency of ingredient declarations.

Nestlé, which is simultaneously navigating a separate legal dispute with the FSSAI regarding its infant formula products, maintains that its operations remain strictly aligned with national regulations. Both Nestlé and HUL are expected to submit formal responses to these notices as the FSSAI continues its push for greater transparency in product marketing and consumer safety.

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