Why FSSAI Flagged 'Fresh Paneer' Claims on Heritage Foods Packaging
The FSSAI has issued notices to Heritage Foods and other operators over misleading labels, specifically flagging the 'Fresh' claim on 'Heritage Fresh Paneer' as non-compliant with food safety regulations. This action is part of a broader crackdown on deceptive marketing, health claims, and labelling irregularities to ensure consumer protection and regulatory transparency.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a regulatory crackdown on food businesses over misleading product claims and labelling violations. In a recent move, the authority issued notices to several food business operators, including Heritage Foods, citing concerns that specific marketing terminology may deceive consumers.
'Fresh Paneer' Label Under Scrutiny
The primary action centres on the brand "Heritage Fresh Paneer", which the regulator flagged for its use of the term "Fresh Paneer" on its packaging. According to the FSSAI, this description was found to be misleading. "The claim "Fresh Paneer" does not satisfy the conditions stipulated under Schedule V for the use of the term "Fresh". Accordingly, the use of the word "Fresh" is liable to mislead consumers and is considered misleading," the FSSAI said. FSSAI Issues Notices to Red Bull, PepsiCo India, Campa, Sting, Other Brands Over 'Energy Drink' Claims.
Misleading Claim 'Fresh Paneer' Was Observed on the Product 'Heritage Fresh Paneer', Says FSSAI
In an official statement released via social media, the FSSAI emphasised that food business operators must adhere strictly to established labelling regulations. The regulator has directed the company and other affected firms to take immediate corrective measures to bring their packaging into compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006.
Broad Crackdown on Misleading Claims
This enforcement action is part of a wider initiative by the FSSAI to curb deceptive advertising across the food sector. Recent notices have been issued to various brands for a range of labelling irregularities, including:
- Unsupported Health Claims: Brands have been scrutinised for using terms like "healthy," "natural," and "rich in milk solids" without proper substantiation.
- Regulatory Misrepresentation: Some companies were flagged for implying FSSAI approval or using trade names that suggest therapeutic benefits not recognised under existing regulations.
- Organic/Vegan Discrepancies: Notices were also issued to products incorrectly labelled as "100% organic" or "vegan" without the necessary certifications or prior approvals.
Regulatory Context and Compliance
The FSSAI has consistently clarified that food companies cannot make functional or therapeutic claims - such as those promising to boost energy or enhance focus - unless these claims are specifically permitted under the FSS Act and its associated regulations. Furthermore, the regulator has previously addressed issues regarding "cheese analogues", emphasising that any product not meeting the defined standard for paneer cannot be marketed under that name. Red Bull, Sting, Campa Among 6 Beverage Brands Issued FSSAI Notices Over 'Energy Drink' Claims.
Food service establishments and manufacturers have been warned to maintain strict vigilance to ensure that consumers are not misled by product nomenclature. The FSSAI's latest directives serve as a reminder to the industry that marketing practices must align with transparent, fact-based labelling to protect public health and ensure fair trade practices in the marketplace.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 06, 2026 06:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).