What is FSSAI's Latest Action?
In recent months, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a series of notices to numerous food companies for what it calls misleading brand names, trade names, and product claims. This enforcement wave targets products that
use appealing but potentially deceptive language on their packaging. The regulator has flagged brands for using terms like "Healthy," "Natural," "True Vitamin," and "Organic" in their names without meeting the stringent criteria required for such claims. For instance, notices were sent to companies whose brand names imply a health benefit, like 'Emami Healthy & Tasty,' or use terms like 'True Vitamin' which are not officially recognised under food safety regulations. This crackdown isn't just about a few words; it's a significant push to ensure that the name on the package reflects the true nature of what's inside.
Why This Crackdown Matters for You
The problem FSSAI is tackling is the gap between a product's marketing and its reality. A bread advertised as "Zero Maida" might still contain wheat gluten and other components that a consumer trying to avoid refined flour would not expect. Similarly, a snack labeled as "Healthy Ragi Chips" could contain a mix of other ingredients that make the "healthy" claim questionable. This enforcement is critical because these brand names and claims create a "health halo" around products, potentially causing consumers to believe they are making a healthier choice than they actually are. The regulations are designed to prevent exactly this, ensuring that you pay for what you think you are getting, whether it's genuine organic food, a certified vegan product, or a snack that meets specific nutritional standards.
Your One Main Check: The 'Name of the Food'
This brings us to the single most important check for any shopper: looking for the official 'Name of the Food' on the label. According to FSSAI regulations, every packaged food must declare its true name, which is separate from the fancy brand name. A flashy brand name like "Sunrise Fresh Morning Drink" is for marketing, but the legally required 'Name of the Food' might be "Sweetened Fruit Beverage." The former is a brand, the latter tells you what it actually is. This official name is usually found on the front of the package, though sometimes it's on the back near the nutritional information. Making a habit of finding and reading this specific declaration is the simplest way to cut through the marketing jargon and understand a product's true identity.
Putting It Into Practice at the Supermarket
Let's apply this to a real-world scenario. You see a product called "Golden Meadow Dairy Delight." It sounds creamy and wholesome. But if you look for the official name, you might find it is a "Frozen Dessert." FSSAI rules clearly distinguish between "Ice Cream" (made from milk fat) and "Frozen Dessert" (made from vegetable oil). Without checking the official name, you would miss this crucial difference. The same applies to juices. A product marketed as a "Real Fruit Splash" might have an official name of "Fruit Nectar" or "Fruit Drink," which have different minimum fruit content requirements than "Fruit Juice." Checking the 'Name of the Food' helps you compare products accurately and ensures you aren't misled by a clever brand name that hints at benefits the product doesn't deliver.
