Ad panel of FSSAI reports 32 fresh cases for misleading ads & claims

Posted: June 8, 2023/Under: /By: aifpa

The Advertisement Monitoring Committee of FSSAI has reported 32 fresh cases which have been found prima facie in contravention of the provisions of Food Safety and Standards (Advertisements & Claims) Regulations, 2018.

According to the FSSAI, health supplements, organic products, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), staples etc. were scrutinised for misleading claims and around 170 cases were reported during last six months.

The food authority examined the veracity of the health claims, product claims and so on of the food businesses including manufacturers, marketers of nutraceutical products, refined oils, pulses, flours, millet products, and ghee. FSSAI, in a statement, has stated that the concerned licensing authorities were asked to issue notices to all such FBOs, who were found guilty of misleading claims, to withdraw such claims or scientifically substantiate the same.

As per the provisions of Food Safety and Standards (Advertisements & Claims) Regulations, 2018, under which the deceptive claims or advertisements are prohibited and are punishable offences. In case of unsatisfactory response, the FBO is required to withdraw such claims or modify them as per the provisions of the said regulations failing which the FBO can be penalised with a fine extending up to Rs 10 lakh, as per Section-53 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, apart from other stringent

punishments like suspension/cancellation of licence etc. in case of repeated offences, reads the statement issued by the FSSAI.

The FSSAI statement added that the total cases reported for misleading advertisements and claims during last six months have gone up to 170 and action against such delinquent FBOs shall also continue in future. FSSAI has asked the FBOs to adhere with the provisions related to advertising and claims and desist from making any unscientific, exaggerated claims and advertisements to promote their product sales to avoid enforcement actions and in larger consumer interests.