On July 6, 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a notice to Heritage Foods Ltd for misleading claims regarding its product 'Fresh Paneer' , as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard consumer interest, according to a PTI report in The Hindu BusinessLine.
FSSAI has asked Heritage Foods to submit an explanation within 7 days as to why action should not be initiated under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006.
What Changed: FSSAI's Action on Misleading Claims
In a social media post, FSSAI stated that 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 regulator said.
Additionally, the use of the term 'Healthy' in the trademark/name 'Healthy Happiness' is not in conformity with Regulation 8(3) of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. FSSAI noted that the term 'Healthy' is likely to create the impression that the product inherently promotes or enhances health, thereby rendering the claim misleading.
Who Is Affected
| Affected Entity | Details |
|---|---|
| Heritage Foods Ltd | Direct recipient of the notice; must respond within 7 days |
| Other Food Business Operators (FBOs) | FSSAI has been actively posting actions taken against FBOs on social media, signalling a broader enforcement push |
| Consumers | The notice aims to protect consumer interests from misleading product labels |
The notice was issued based on suo moto cognizance as well as consumer complaints, indicating that FSSAI is monitoring claims proactively.
Compliance Obligations and Deadlines
Heritage Foods must:
- Submit an explanation within 7 days from the date of the notice (i.e., by July 13, 2026)
- Address why action should not be taken under the FSS Act, 2006 for the non-compliant claims
- Potentially revise product labelling to remove or modify the terms 'Fresh' and 'Healthy' to comply with Schedule V and Regulation 8(3) of the Advertising and Claims Regulations, 2018
For other FBOs, this notice serves as a compliance reminder:
- Ensure product claims such as 'Fresh', 'Healthy', or similar terms meet the specific conditions defined in Schedule V and Regulation 8(3)
- Review all marketing materials and labels for conformity with the FSS (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018
Penalties for Non-Compliance
While the FSSAI notice does not specify exact penalties, action under the FSS Act, 2006 can include:
- Fines or penalties as prescribed under the Act
- Possible suspension or cancellation of food business license
- Prosecution for misleading advertising
FSSAI has been increasingly active in enforcement, as seen by its regular social media updates on actions taken against FBOs.
Resources and Guidance
Food business operators should refer to:
- FSS (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 – particularly Regulation 8(3) for use of 'Healthy'
- Schedule V of the FSS Regulations – for conditions on using terms like 'Fresh'
- FSSAI's official website and social media channels for updates on enforcement actions
Industry bodies such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) may issue guidance on compliance with labelling regulations.
For trade compliance professionals, this notice underscores the importance of rigorous label review before product launch. Regulators are increasingly using suo moto powers and consumer complaints to enforce product standards, and non-compliance can lead to regulatory action, reputation damage, and financial penalties. Companies should ensure their marketing claims are substantiated and compliant with applicable schedules and regulations.
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