FSSAI Issues Notices to Heritage Foods and Dia Foods Over Allegedly Misleading Product Claims; Seeks Replies Within Seven Days
New Delhi, July 6: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Heritage Foods Limited and Dia Foods over alleged misleading claims made on the labels and packaging of their food products. The action has been initiated under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with both companies being directed to submit their explanations within seven days.
The regulator has also advised all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to strictly comply with the Food Safety and Standards Regulations and immediately take corrective measures wherever product claims do not conform to the prescribed norms.
Notice to Dia Foods
FSSAI issued a notice to Dia Foods over claims made on its La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread.
According to the regulator, the product carried claims such as:
- “All Natural”
- “100% Organic”
- “Vegan”
Following examination, FSSAI observed the following alleged non-compliances:
- The claim “All Natural” does not satisfy the conditions prescribed under Schedule V for using the term “Natural” and is therefore liable to mislead consumers.
- The terms “100% Organic” and “Vegan” create the impression that the product is organic and vegan. However, according to FSSAI, the product has not obtained prior approval for organic food and vegan food endorsement in its FSSAI licence.
- Referring to its advisory dated May 28, 2026, FSSAI stated that the use of the expression “100%” is not defined under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 or the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder. Accordingly, the claim “100% Organic” has been described by the regulator as misleading.
Notice to Heritage Foods Limited
FSSAI has also served a notice to Heritage Foods Limited regarding claims made on its Heritage Fresh Paneer.
The authority has alleged that:
- The use of the expression “Fresh Paneer” does not satisfy the conditions laid down under Schedule V for using the term “Fresh” and is therefore liable to mislead consumers.
- The use of the word “Healthy” in the trademark or branding “Healthy Happiness” is not in conformity with Regulation 8(3) of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. According to FSSAI, the expression is likely to create the impression that the product inherently promotes or enhances health, making the claim misleading.
Seven-day deadline
In both cases, FSSAI has directed the companies to submit their explanations within seven days, explaining why action should not be initiated against them under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder.
The food regulator reiterated that all Food Business Operators must ensure that product labels, advertising and marketing claims strictly comply with applicable legal requirements to prevent consumers from being misled.
Response awaited: This story will be updated once responses from Heritage Foods Limited and Dia Foods are received.
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