Heritage Foods Ltd has responded to a notice from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding the labelling of its 'Fresh Paneer' product, the company announced on July 8, 2026. The FSSAI had raised concerns that the claim 'Fresh Paneer' did not satisfy the conditions stipulated under Schedule V for the use of the term 'Fresh', according to the Hyderabad-based company.
Background of the Notice
The FSSAI issued a notice to Heritage Foods regarding what it termed "misleading claims" concerning the product 'Fresh Paneer'. The regulatory authority specifically pointed out that the claim did not meet the requirements set out in Schedule V of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, which governs the use of the term 'Fresh' on food products. The company, a major dairy player, confirmed it had received the notice and subsequently submitted a detailed response to the concerned authority.
Company's Position and Compliance
In its response, Heritage Foods clarified that the 'Fresh Paneer' claim refers to the product's "fresh, refrigerated and preservative-free nature". The company emphasised that consumer trust, food safety and regulatory compliance are central to its operations. Srideep Kesavan, Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Foods Ltd, stated:
"We are aware of the concerns raised regarding the labelling of our Heritage Fresh Paneer and have submitted our detailed response to the concerned authority."
The company explained that its paneer is manufactured using pasteurised milk of high quality under hygienic conditions, while preserving the intrinsic nature of the product. Because no preservatives are used, the company stores and transports the product under refrigerated conditions to ensure freshness and safety.
Labelling and Regulatory Implications
Heritage Foods asserted that the product label carries all mandatory declarations required under Indian food laws, including:
- Ingredients used
- Nutritional information
- Manufacturing date
- Use-by date
The company stated that these elements enable consumers to make an informed choice, according to CEO Srideep Kesavan.
The case highlights the scrutiny that food companies face regarding the use of the term 'Fresh'. Under Schedule V of the FSSAI regulations, 'Fresh' may only be used for products that have not been processed in any manner, with exceptions for certain minimal treatments. Heritage Foods' argument rests on the product being preservative-free and refrigerated, which they claim preserves its intrinsic nature.
| Requirement | FSSAI Schedule V Condition | Heritage Foods Position |
|---|---|---|
| Use of 'Fresh' | Must meet conditions in Schedule V | Claim refers to preservative-free, refrigerated state |
| Label declarations | All mandatory info must appear | Ingredients, nutrition, dates included |
Implications for Trade Compliance
For compliance officers and legal teams in the food sector, this case reinforces the need to closely review 'Fresh' claims against Schedule V criteria. While Heritage Foods has provided its explanation, the FSSAI has not yet publicly ruled on whether the response satisfies the regulatory requirements. Companies using similar claims should verify that their product processing and storage conditions align with the definition of 'Fresh' under Indian regulations.
The outcome of this notice could set a precedent for how the term 'Fresh' is interpreted for refrigerated, preservative-free products that undergo pasteurisation. The FSSAI's decision will be closely watched by dairy and packaged food manufacturers across India.
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