150+ Notices, New Labelling Rules: Why FSSAI’s Crackdown Has Food Companies On Alert

Jefferies said that the food regulation is expanding from products to the entire value chain. (File Photo)

Food companies, restaurant chains and quick-commerce operators could face mounting compliance expenses and operational hurdles as India's food regulator widens the scope of its enforcement, according to a report by Jefferies. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is extending its oversight beyond the safety of individual products to include advertising, packaging disclosures, authenticity checks, online product listings and the conditions in which food is stored. The expanding regulatory focus could require businesses to strengthen internal processes and reassess existing practices.

“Food regulation is expanding from products to the entire value chain,” Jefferies said, pointing to an increase in enforcement activity and companies' efforts to improve audits, documentation and internal controls.

According to the brokerage report, more than 150 notices have reportedly been issued to prominent companies operating across the food, beverage, dairy and nutraceutical segments. The notices concern issues such as misleading advertisements, inaccurate claims and labelling violations.

The regulatory action has already prompted several businesses to reconsider their product communications. Responses have included removing disputed claims, changing package labels, taking products off online platforms and discontinuing advertisements.

Another major…

Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy