FOOD LABELLING NORMS
HUL sales rise 15% to hit 14-quarter high, but inflation clouds demand outlook
Hindustan Unilever posted a turnover of ₹18,071 crore for the September quarter, highlighting a 15% rise. Even with a price increase of 7.5%, the company's volume growth remained stable at 7%. Homecare emerged as the standout performer, boasting a robust 22% sales growth. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation climbed to ₹4,089 crore, an 8% boost. However, ongoing inflation and wage issues in rural sectors pose significant challenges.
Hindustan Unilever Limited backs FSSAI labelling norms for food products high in fat, salt and sugar
Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has expressed support for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) proposed food labelling requirements. These requirements aim to enhance transparency for consumers regarding nutrition information. Managing Director Priya Nair emphasised that HUL is well prepared to comply with these regulations. The planned front-of-pack nutrition labelling will alert consumers about high levels of sugar, salt, or fat.
Karnataka food safety officials inspect 45 ice cream units, seize expired products
Karnataka's Food Safety and Drug Administration Department conducted inspections of ice cream manufacturing units across the state. A total of 45 units were inspected, and 70 food samples were collected for testing. The authorities seized expired products from various establishments, including Savara Ice Cream Cafe and M N Enterprises. Deficiencies in labeling and unhygienic conditions were also reported at several units.
Nestle India faces FSSAI action over '5 HMOs', 'easy-to-digest' whey claims in baby food
FSSAI has filed three adjudication cases against Nestlé India concerning infant nutrition products. These cases involve alleged non-compliance with regulations for NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1. Promotional claims made for these products were flagged by the food regulator. A separate issue involved a sub-standard biotin content found in a Nestlé follow-up formula. The FSSAI is pursuing these cases based on regulatory violations and laboratory findings.
View: As oil tops $100, India needs a wider, smarter fuel security strategy
Rising oil prices necessitate energy supply diversification and alternate fuel adoption. India is urging the auto industry for flexi-fuel vehicle timelines and promoting ethanol blending. Exploring iso-butanol and methanol blending offers further emission reduction and import substitution. Second-generation biorefineries are crucial for scaling up compressed biogas production. Strategic oil reserves and domestic exploration are also vital for energy security.
Consumers deserve nutritional information on food packs; industry backs FSSAI move: Orkla India
Orkla India MD and CEO Sanjay Sharma backed FSSAI’s proposed front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) norms, saying consumers have the right to clear nutritional information. He said the industry supports the regulator’s objective of helping consumers make informed choices, with the main debate being over the format and implementation of the labels.
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Pickles, honey & curry pastes gain weight in India's export basket
Indian kitchen staples are increasingly exported due to global demand for authentic flavors. Exports of pickles, honey, and pastes grew significantly, reaching over $576 million. Honey led this growth, with the United States remaining the largest market. Mixed condiments and jams also showed substantial increases in export value. Addressing post-harvest losses can further boost exports of fruit-based products.
Karnataka food safety officials seize expired, mislabelled products from Amazon, Instamart units in Bengaluru
In a recent crackdown, authorities in Karnataka uncovered significant violations at Amazon and Instamart facilities. During unannounced inspections, they seized expired and mislabelled food items valued at over Rs 1.7 million from Amazon's BLR6 unit. Instamart's Hoskote outlet faced closure for unsanitary conditions. The investigations also revealed other businesses holding expired goods, triggered by a complaint lodged with the officials.
Everest Hing ban: FSSAI bans sale of Laljee Godhoo, Everest compounded asafoetida over 'misbranded and sub-standard' products
India's food regulator has banned compounded hing products from Everest and Laljee Godhoo. Samples from Everest were found misbranded and sub-standard, failing alcohol soluble extract norms. Laljee Godhoo's hing also failed quality tests and contained excess starch. Both companies must submit action plans to ensure future compliance. Further action may follow if these companies do not meet standards.
Punjab government imposes one-year ban on manufacture, sale and storage of analogue paneer
Punjab has banned non-dairy paneer for one year across the state. The Food and Drug Administration issued the prohibition order citing public health concerns. This ban prohibits manufacture, storage, and sale of analogue paneer. Food business operators must adhere to dairy-based paneer standards. Strict legal action will follow any violations of this new order.
FSSAI issues notice to Delhi's JW Marriott, Juniper Hotels over misprinted license, food hygiene
FSSAI flagged serious food safety and hygiene violations at Delhi's JW Marriott hotel. Inspections revealed issues with sanitation, storage, and labelling practices across various kitchens. Regulatory samples were collected for further analysis after the inspection concluded. The hotel's FSSAI licence was also not prominently displayed on the premises. Similar food safety violations were also found at Andaz Aerocity in Delhi.
Nestlé backs India’s front-of-pack labelling push, seeks science-based approach
Nestlé's global CEO welcomed India's mandatory front-of-pack labelling proposal. He suggested manufacturers contribute to making the program more scientific. The company will share experiences from other countries with the government. Nestlé India has invested significantly in capacity expansion recently. The company's leaders also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Wipro Consumer Care enters pet food market with launch of Snuggles
Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting has launched its new pet food brand, Snuggles. This marks the company's significant entry into India's growing pet food market. The brand offers dry dog food with human-grade ingredients at accessible prices. Snuggles provides three variants for different dog life stages and breeds. The products will be available across various retail and online platforms.
Nestle backs stricter food labelling norms, says transparency key for consumers
Nestle’s global CEO Philipp Navratil has backed FSSAI’s tighter food-labelling scrutiny and supported front-of-pack disclosures, saying consumers should know what they eat. He said such rules should be scientifically designed, balanced and based on portion sizes and global best practices.
Junk food, screens, paper leaks: Rajasthan HC takes Gen Z, Gen Alpha issues to court
Rajasthan High Court took suo motu notice of issues affecting young generations. The court banned junk food sales near schools and mandated nutrition committees. It also stressed preserving fundamental learning skills alongside digital education. Authorities must address rural school infrastructure and prevent paper leaks. Plans are required to tackle the education-employment gap and gig worker security.
FSSAI licence suspended for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar restaurant after major violations discovered
The Food and Drug Administration suspended a Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar establishment's license due to hygiene issues. Inspectors found foul-smelling paneer and unlabeled food items during a surprise inspection. Vegetables were chopped near toilets, and cooking oil was repeatedly overheated.
Flies, cockroaches, fake cheese: Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of 7 Mumbai food establishments over hygiene lapses
Maharashtra FDA suspended seven food establishments for severe hygiene lapses and product adulteration. Inspections revealed live flies, cockroaches, and fake cheese being used by some businesses. The FDA also seized large quantities of adulterated dairy products and prohibited gutkha statewide. These actions followed intensive statewide inspection drives conducted on August 19-20, 2026. Suspended businesses cannot operate until all violations are fully rectified and cleared.
Dabur, Ferns N Petals, Lotte India rectify labelling, advertising lapses after FSSAI notices
Food regulator FSSAI said Dabur India, Ferns N Petals, Lotte India and other food businesses have taken corrective measures after being flagged over labelling, product classification and advertising violations. The actions include revising product listings and labels, removing unsupported claims, updating promotional material and withdrawing non-compliant advertising.
KFC rebuts stale-chicken allegations, says it follows FSSAI norms
KFC denied allegations of serving stale chicken following a recent inspection. The fast-food chain stated that its food safety and storage practices meet all required norms. Officials collected chicken samples for laboratory testing after the consumer complaint was lodged. The outlet was instructed to clear its existing chicken stock and clean the storage. KFC assured customers of its commitment to quality and hygiene standards.
FSSAI says 6 food companies including Livyor, Rajasthan Agro corrected misleading labels, trademarks after notices
Six food companies have corrected misleading labels and trademarks after FSSAI notices. Livyor Ventures Pvt Ltd withdrew its 'vegan and healthy' claims on edamame beans. Honest Innovations For You Pvt Ltd and Heliostone Specialities Pvt Ltd revised their trademarks. Rajasthan Agro and General Industries removed all misleading claims and stopped PPM usage. Iota Nanotechnology Pvt Ltd removed claims and stopped non-standardized water production.
Bengaluru food safety drive finds violations at star hotels, 35 samples sent for testing
Food safety officials inspected 26 Bengaluru hotels on Friday. Thirty teams collected 35 food samples for laboratory analysis. Violations included expired food and unhygienic kitchen practices. Notices were issued to food business operators for non-compliance. Legal action will follow laboratory test results.
FSSAI directs PIE FOODS to immediately stop selling two products
India's food regulator FSSAI has ordered Pie Foods to halt sales of two sweetener products. The prohibition stems from violations of labelling and advertising regulations. FSSAI found issues with relabelling endorsements and e-commerce website operations. Mandatory declarations were missing from product labels and website claims were made.
Red Bull, Campa, Monster and other beverage cos get notices over 'energy drink' claims
India's food regulator, FSSAI, has cracked down on major beverage brands like Red Bull and Monster, issuing notices for using the 'energy drink' label and making health-related claims. The authority states that no such category is recognized under current food safety laws. Companies are warned against promotional statements about boosting energy or focus, as these functional claims are not permitted for food products, aiming to prevent misleading branding.
India food regulator 'spills the tea' on what counts as the real thing
The FSSAI has mandated that only beverages derived from Camellia sinensis can be labelled as "tea" in India. This clarification aims to prevent misbranding and consumer confusion by prohibiting the use of the "tea" label for herbal or plant-based infusions not originating from the specified plant. Food businesses must comply with these stricter labelling and packaging norms.
Alcoholic beverage makers to seek approvals for new labelling norms: FSSAI
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had last year issued a regulation on alcoholic beverages and the same became effective from April 1.
FSSAI ropes in expert panel to review food labelling standards
The labelling regulations have remained the major contentious issue in the food industry which sees it as an impediment to their sales.
FSSAI to revise food labelling norms
FSSAI chief was speaking at the launch of 'India Spotlight Index 2016' published by the Netherlands-based NGO ATNF.
FSSAI says labelling norms need to be changed
Favouring an overhaul of norms for labelling of food products, regulator FSSAI today said consumers are getting influenced by 'dazzling' advertisements.
FSSAI drafts safety norms to regulate food, health supplements
Food safety regulator FSSAI has come out with quality and safety norms to regulate food or health supplements and dietary food.
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