The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Nestlé India, Abbott Healthcare, Nutricia International, Mead Johnson Nutrition India and Zydus Wellness over advertising claims related to infant formula products and the nutritional drink Complan.
The notices question claims concerning digestion, immunity, brain development and children's physical growth, alongside alleged social media promotions of infant milk substitutes. The companies have been asked to provide scientific evidence supporting the claims and explain their compliance with applicable food safety and advertising regulations.
According to information shared on FSSAI's official Instagram account, the notices concern alleged violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations governing food advertising, claims and the promotion of infant milk substitutes.
FSSAI questions Nestlé's infant formula claims
In one notice, FSSAI has sought scientific evidence supporting Nestlé India's claim that the whey protein in its Lactogen Pro 1 infant formula powder is "easy to digest". The company has been asked to provide relevant documentation substantiating the claim featured on the product's packaging or advertising material.
In a separate notice concerning Nan Excella Pro Stage 1, the regulator questioned the claim that "5 HMOs helps support normal immune system".
FSSAI observed that the wording could imply a benefit relating to a particular physiological condition and flagged potential non-compliance with provisions governing claims associated with the prevention, alleviation, treatment or cure of diseases and certain physiological conditions, unless specifically permitted under the applicable regulations.
The authority also sought scientific substantiation for the product's whey protein digestibility claim and asked Nestlé to explain why action should not be initiated under the relevant legislation.
Regulator flags alleged social media promotion of infant formula
FSSAI has also issued notices to influencer Ira Fathima, Abbott Healthcare, Nestlé India, Nutricia International and Mead Johnson Nutrition India over the alleged promotion of infant milk substitutes on Instagram.
The regulator flagged an Instagram Reel featuring a list of the "Top 5" infant formula products: Nan-Pro 1, Aptamil Premium 1, Similac Advance 1, Enfamil A+ Stage 1 and Dexolac 1.
According to the authority, the content attributed benefits such as balanced nutrition, stronger immunity, brain development and easy digestion to the products.
FSSAI alleged that the promotion could violate the Infant Milk Substitutes Act, 1992, and the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, which govern the marketing and promotion of products intended for infant feeding.
Zydus Wellness asked to substantiate Complan claims
Separately, FSSAI has issued a notice to Zydus Wellness Products Limited over advertising claims for Complan, its nutritional drink marketed for children.
The regulator questioned claims appearing on the product's packaging and online listings, including "2X Faster Growth", "Supports Concentration and Memory" and "Pro Immunity + 34 Vital Nutrients".
It also noted that the packaging and promotional material featured images of two children alongside claims relating to physical growth, cognitive functions and immunity.
FSSAI said the claims appeared to be inconsistent with the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, and sought scientific evidence to support the advertised benefits.
‘Clinically proven 2X growth’ claim under scrutiny
Among the statements flagged by the regulator was the claim: "GROW TALLER, FASTER. CLINICALLY PROVEN 2X GROWTH".
FSSAI also sought substantiation for the "Pro Immunity + 34 Vital Nutrients" claim and questioned the advertising statement "Growth Comes in 4 Flavours", citing provisions of the 2018 regulations governing food advertising and claims.
Zydus Wellness has been directed to show cause within the stipulated period as to why action should not be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed under it.
The notices place advertising claims for infant nutrition products and children's nutritional drinks under regulatory scrutiny, particularly those relating to immunity, digestion, physical growth and cognitive development.
The recipients have been asked to provide explanations and supporting evidence. The notices do not, by themselves, establish that the claims are misleading or that the companies or influencer have been found liable for violating the law.
