Noida, Sep 18 (APAC Media): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated legal proceedings against Nestlé India over alleged regulatory violations involving three infant nutrition products, including NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, Lactogen Pro 1 and a follow-up formula.
The food regulator has filed three separate adjudication cases after examining the products and promotional material listed on e-commerce platforms, according to FSSAI.
The regulator has raised concerns over certain claims made for NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1. For NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, FSSAI flagged references to “5 HMOs” and “Whey Protein”. In the case of Lactogen Pro 1, it questioned a claim describing whey protein as “easy to digest”.
“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,” the regulator said in a statement.
FSSAI said it had sought an explanation from Nestlé India over the claims. After examining the company’s response, the regulator said the products were not compliant with Regulation 4(2) of the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
It also cited provisions of the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992.
In a separate matter, laboratory testing of a sample of a Nestlé India follow-up formula found that its biotin content did not meet the prescribed standards, FSSAI said.
The sample was subsequently sent to a referral laboratory for re-analysis. The second test also found that the product did not meet the specified biotin requirement under the applicable regulations, the regulator said.
Nestlé India disputed the concerns and maintained that its products comply with all applicable rules.
“Our products are fully compliant with all the applicable regulations. The said products (i.e., NAN EXCELLA PRO & LACTOGEN PRO) and their labels were approved by the expert committee of FSSAI,” a company spokesperson said.
The company also said it had submitted a detailed response to the regulator regarding the statements appearing on the labels.
“In response to the notice, we have again submitted our detailed response to the authorities regarding statements appearing on the label, which are factual in nature and supported by scientific literature,” the spokesperson said.
Nestlé India added that it follows applicable regulatory and labelling requirements and would continue to cooperate with FSSAI during the proceedings.
The development also affected the company’s shares. Nestlé India’s stock fell nearly 3% during Friday’s trading session to around Rs 1,332.80 before recovering part of the decline. The shares ended the day at Rs 1,353.10, down 1.38%.
The adjudication proceedings are ongoing, and the final regulatory outcome will depend on the decision taken by the competent authorities.
–ENDS–
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information. APAC Media is not responsible for investment decisions or losses. Please conduct your own research or consult a financial adviser before investing.
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