FSSAI Initiates Legal Action Against Nestle India Over Baby Food Promotional Claims and Biotin Quality
The FSSAI has filed three adjudication cases against Nestle India over alleged violations involving three infant nutrition products. The regulator cited unlawful promotional claims for NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1, alongside a follow-up formula found substandard in biotin content. Nestle India stated that its products and labels are fully compliant.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated legal action against Nestle India over non-compliance involving three infant nutrition products, citing promotional claims on e-commerce platforms and a follow-up formula found to be substandard in biotin content. The food safety regulator confirmed on Friday, September 18, that it has filed three separate adjudication cases against the company following regulatory examinations and laboratory testing.
According to an FSSAI adjudication sanction issued against Nestle India's Unit I and Unit II, promotional material for NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 carried claims relating to '5 HMOs' (human milk oligosaccharides) and 'whey protein', while Lactogen Pro 1 carried a claim that its 'whey protein' was 'easy to digest'. In the wake of the regulatory action, Nestle India’s shares fell nearly 3% during intraday trade before recovering to settle almost flat. FSSAI Suspends Licence of Paradise Distilleries for 15 Days; Here's Why.
FSSAI Takes Legal Action Against Nestle India Over Baby Food Promotional Claims
Legal action initiated against Nestle India Ltd over several non-compliances pertaining to the FSS Act.
FSSAI remains committed to strengthening the food safety ecosystem through its enforcement actions. #FSSAINotice #FSSAIAction pic.twitter.com/gG1k6noK0X
— FSSAI (@fssaiindia) September 18, 2026
Violations of Infant Food Advertising Norms
The regulator stated that both products were found to be in contravention of Regulation 4(2) of the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020. The specific provision strictly restricts promotional claims or material intended to increase the saleability of infant foods.
Additionally, the FSSAI cited Section 3 of the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992, which prohibits the advertisement and commercial promotion of such products. Nestle India Faces FSSAI Cases Over NAN Excella Pro, Lactogen Pro Claims and Biotin Test Failure.
Follow-Up Formula Fails Biotin Standards
Beyond marketing violations, a sample of follow-up formula manufactured by Nestle India failed mandatory nutritional testing. The sample was found to be substandard with respect to its biotin content during laboratory analysis.
“The sample was subsequently referred for re-analysis, and the referral laboratory also found the sample non-confirming with respect to the prescribed Biotin requirement under the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020,” said FSSAI. Under existing standards, food safety regulations prescribe a standardized reference range for biotin, more commonly known as vitamin B7, in baby food formulations.
Nestle India Rebuts Allegations
Nestle India strongly defended its product portfolio, asserting that its formulations and marketing adhere to statutory standards.
A Nestle India spokesperson said, "Our products are fully compliant with all the applicable regulations. The said products and their labels were approved by the expert committee of FSSAI. In response to the notice, we have again submitted a detailed response to the authorities regarding statements appearing on the label, which are factual in nature, and supported by scientific literature."
"We confirm adherence to all regulations including norms and label declarations as per applicable laws. We will continue to work closely and support FSSAI in its efforts towards consumer awareness," the spokesperson added.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2026 04:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
