The Regulator's Big Move
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its efforts to clean up food labels across the country. In a series of recent actions, the regulator has issued notices to numerous food companies for using misleading brand names,
health claims, and categories that don't accurately reflect the product's contents. The core of the issue is that marketing terms often create a false impression of a product's quality or health benefits. This crackdown is based on the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, which mandate that a product's name must describe its true nature and not be deceptive.
Deceptive by Design: The Problem with Names
For years, consumers have navigated a confusing landscape of product names. Terms like 'health drink' have been used for malt or cereal-based beverages, even though FSSAI does not have an official category for 'health drink'. Similarly, the regulator has targeted the term 'energy drink' on caffeinated beverages, arguing that it implies a functional benefit that is not permissible under the law. Other claims under scrutiny include '100% pure', 'natural', and 'fresh' when products are processed or contain additives. FSSAI's stance is clear: if a brand name or claim is not supported by scientific evidence or doesn't align with the actual ingredients, it must be removed.
What Changes on Your Grocery Shelf?
This regulatory push is already having a visible impact. Shoppers will notice words like 'healthy', 'natural', and 'no added sugar' disappearing from some packages, replaced by more straightforward descriptions. For example, a chocolate brand that used date syrup was asked to change its 'no added sugar' claim to be more specific. Another company had to remove the word 'Fresh' from its paneer packaging because the term is not a recognised standard for the product. For consumers, this means packaging will become more literal. A caffeinated beverage may no longer be called an 'energy drink', and a plant-based beverage cannot be labelled as 'milk'. The goal is to make it easier for you to know exactly what you are buying at a glance.
The Industry Reacts
The food industry's response has been mixed. While many large companies agree in principle with consumer protection, the practicalities of a label change are complex and costly. A seemingly small modification can trigger a cascade of expenses, from redesigning packaging to managing and clearing old inventory. Some brands have moved quickly to comply, revising their labels to avoid penalties, which can include fines of up to ₹10 lakh for misleading advertisements. However, industry bodies have also pushed back, seeking more time and clarity. FSSAI's actions signal that the burden of proof now lies squarely on the manufacturers to substantiate every claim they make.
How to Be a Smarter Shopper
While these new regulations empower consumers, the best defence is still your own diligence. The name on the front is marketing; the truth is often in the fine print on the back. Always check the ingredient list, which FSSAI regulations require to be in descending order by weight. Pay close attention to the nutritional information panel, which provides details on sugar, salt, and fat content per 100g or per serving. Look for the FSSAI logo and license number, a mandatory mark of compliance. Being a skeptical and informed reader of the entire package, not just the flashy brand name, remains your most powerful tool for making healthy choices.
