FSSAI issues notice to Nestle India over Lactogen digestibility claim

What the notice says

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) posted on its official Instagram account that it has sent a formal notice to Nestle India over the claim that its Lactogen Pro 1 Powder "contains whey protein, which is a part of milk protein that is easy to digest". The regulator has asked the company to furnish scientific substantiation for the digestibility claim and to submit all supporting documents within the period specified in the notice.

Products under scrutiny

• Lactogen Pro 1 Powder – claim of easy‑to‑digest whey protein.
• Nan Excella Pro Stage 1 – claim that "5 HMOs helps support normal immune system".
• Complan (Zydus Wellness) – packaging touts "2X Faster Growth", "Supports Concentration and Memory" and "Pro Immunity + 34 Vital Nutrients".

In each case, the regulator flagged the wording as potentially non‑compliant with the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, which prohibit unsubstantiated health claims unless specifically permitted.

Regulator’s broader push

FSSAI chief executive Rajit Punhani told The Economic Times that the authority has issued notices to more than 150 food and beverage makers in recent months for misleading ingredient claims, labelling lapses and unauthorised promotions. Punhani said the regulator expects large companies to lead by example and to avoid statements that could mislead consumers about health benefits.

The agency also signalled that it is reviewing rules to improve product information on e‑commerce and quick‑commerce platforms, including clearer display of manufacturing dates, expiry dates and batch numbers.

Why the focus matters

India’s infant‑nutrition market is among the world’s largest, and the government treats accurate labelling as a matter of public health. By demanding scientific evidence, FSSAI aims to protect vulnerable consumers—especially infants and young children—from exaggerated or unverified health promises.

The regulator’s action also sends a clear message to the industry: compliance is not optional, and the state will enforce standards rigorously. This stance aligns with the government’s broader agenda of strengthening consumer safeguards while promoting a stable, trustworthy food sector.

Next steps for the companies

Nestle India, Zydus Wellness and the other recipients have been asked to show cause why further action should not be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The notices are procedural; they do not constitute a finding of guilt. The companies must respond within the stipulated timeframe, after which the regulator will decide whether any penalty or corrective order is warranted.

What consumers can expect

While the notices are being processed, the products remain on shelves. However, any confirmed breach could lead to mandatory label revisions, withdrawal of specific health claims, or, in extreme cases, a recall. For shoppers, the episode reinforces the importance of reading ingredient lists and being cautious of bold health promises that are not backed by clear scientific data.

The episode illustrates the regulator’s commitment to upholding food‑safety standards and maintaining confidence in India’s growing nutrition market.