New Delhi : The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has significantly expanded its enforcement activities in 2026, moving beyond routine food safety inspections to crack down on misleading product claims, labelling violations, manufacturing deficiencies, food hygiene issues, and regulatory non-compliance across the food and beverage industry.
The regulator’s actions have affected companies operating in sectors such as packaged foods, edible oils, honey, ghee, nutraceuticals, drinking water, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, and quick commerce, highlighting a stronger emphasis on consumer protection and scientifically verifiable product claims.
FSSAI Targets Misleading Product Claims
One of the regulator’s major initiatives this year has been action against misleading advertising and labelling.
In June 2026, FSSAI issued notices to more than a dozen food companies regarding the use of marketing terms such as:
- “Healthy”
- “Organic”
- “Zero Maida”
Companies that received notices included:
- Emami Healthy & Tasty
- Neuherbs
- Troovy
- Plan B
- Healthy Master
- Healthy Choice
- The Health Factory
- Organic Wisdom
- Storia
- Two Brothers Organic Farms
The regulator later expanded the campaign in July, issuing notices to Lotte India, Ferns N Petals, and Kubera Foods over alleged labelling irregularities.
Ban on “100%” Product Claims
The highest-profile regulatory action came when FSSAI prohibited Dabur India from selling several products carrying “100%” purity claims.
The order covered products including:
- Honey
- Cow Ghee
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Virgin Coconut Oil
- Sesame Oil
- Coconut Water
- Coconut Milk
The company had used descriptions such as:
- “100% Natural”
- “100% Pure”
- “100% Purity Guaranteed”
- “100% Organic”
- “100% Tender Coconut Water”
According to FSSAI, such claims are scientifically unverifiable, ambiguous, and violate the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations.
Greater Focus on Manufacturing Standards
The regulator has also tightened oversight of manufacturing facilities, particularly in the nutraceutical sector.
In July, FSSAI suspended the licences of:
- Dior Pharmaceuticals
- Rehaan Healthcare
Following inspections, the regulator identified serious deficiencies relating to:
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Good Hygiene Practices (GHP)
- Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS)
The inspections highlighted shortcomings involving:
- Sanitation
- Infrastructure
- Pest control
- Storage practices
- Process controls
- Personnel hygiene
- Water quality monitoring
- Record maintenance
Both companies were directed to stop production until compliance is restored.
Crackdown on Hygiene and Food Safety
FSSAI has also intensified action against hygiene violations.
Earlier this week, the regulator suspended the licence of Tripura-based Matri Drinking Water after inspectors found finished products stored alongside non-food materials and directly on the floor, creating contamination risks.
The authority has increasingly acted upon consumer complaints, particularly those raised through social media platforms.
In June, notices were issued to:
- Nestlé India
- KFC India
- Flipkart
following complaints alleging:
- Contaminated Maggi noodles
- Insects in products delivered via Flipkart Minutes
- Poor hygiene at a KFC outlet
In July, Swiggy Instamart received nine notices regarding complaints involving:
- Expired food products
- Rotten food
- Contaminated eggs
- Damaged packaged foods
- Deteriorated infant food formulations
- Unsafe milk products
Separately, FSSAI directed all food businesses to immediately discontinue the use of metallic pins, wires, and similar materials in food packaging due to consumer safety concerns.
Energy Drinks and Liquor Manufacturers Under Scanner
The regulator has expanded its scrutiny beyond conventional food products.
In July, FSSAI issued notices to six companies over the use of the term “Energy Drink”, stating that India currently has no officially notified standard for products marketed under that category.
Companies receiving notices included:
- Red Bull
- PepsiCo India
- Reliance Consumer Products
- Monster Energy
- Sting
- Hell Energy
According to FSSAI, the Food Category System is intended only for regulatory classification and should not be used as a marketing label.
The crackdown has also extended to alcoholic beverages.
The regulator recently issued notices to manufacturing facilities operated by:
- United Spirits Limited (USL)
- INBREW Beverages
- Mohan Rocky Springwater
- Associated Alcohol & Breweries
The affected products include:
- McDowell’s No.1 Rum
- Antiquity Blue Whisky
- Royal Challenge Whisky
The notices relate to alleged violations involving:
- Added flavours mimicking natural profiles
- Age-related claims
- Blend-age declarations
Action Against Food Adulteration
FSSAI has also intensified efforts to combat food adulteration.
In June, the regulator dismantled an inter-state counterfeit ghee network operating across Delhi and Haryana.
Authorities seized:
- More than 6,500 litres of suspected adulterated ghee
- Raw materials used for manufacturing counterfeit products
The operation formed part of FSSAI’s broader campaign against food fraud.
Industry Response
The regulator’s enforcement actions have prompted a range of responses from affected companies.
United Spirits
United Spirits has filed a writ petition before the Bombay High Court, challenging FSSAI’s order relating to one of its manufacturing facilities.
The company maintains that its product labels comply with applicable laws and long-standing industry practices.
Dabur India
Dabur has sought legal advice while simultaneously beginning to remove the disputed “100%” claims from:
- Product labels
- Advertisements
- Company website
The company continues discussions with the regulator.
Swiggy Instamart
Swiggy Instamart stated that it is reviewing the products identified by FSSAI and is cooperating with authorities to address the concerns.
Voluntary Compliance
Several companies have voluntarily revised product packaging.
Examples include:
- The Whole Truth, which removed the “No Added Sugar” claim from its dark chocolate products.
- Heritage Foods, which removed the word “Fresh” from its paneer packaging.
Across the industry, manufacturers have become increasingly cautious about using expressions such as:
- Healthy
- Natural
- Fresh
- 100% Pure
- 100% Natural
Why FSSAI Has Intensified Enforcement
According to the regulator, the recent actions are part of a broader effort to strengthen compliance with India’s food safety, labelling, and advertising regulations.
FSSAI has consistently maintained that:
- Food labels must not mislead consumers.
- Claims regarding purity, nutrition, and health benefits must be supported by scientific evidence.
- Brand names, imagery, and promotional material should accurately represent a product’s composition and quality.
In May 2026, the regulator issued an advisory directing food businesses not to use expressions such as “100%”, “100% Pure”, and “100% Natural” where such claims could mislead consumers or violate food regulations.
Beyond advertising, FSSAI has increasingly relied on inspections, laboratory testing, and consumer complaints as the basis for enforcement, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring higher standards of food safety and consumer protection across India’s food and beverage industry.
