Notices question claims related to digestion, immunity, growth and cognitive benefits, as well as alleged social media promotion of infant milk substitutes
NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Nestlé India, Abbott Healthcare, Nutricia International, Mead Johnson Nutrition India and Zydus Wellness over advertising claims for infant formula products and the children’s nutritional drink Complan.
The notices seek scientific evidence to substantiate claims concerning digestion, immunity, brain development and physical growth. The regulator has also questioned the alleged promotion of infant milk substitutes through social media content.
According to information shared on FSSAI’s official Instagram account, the matters involve provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations governing food advertising, claims and the promotion of infant milk substitutes.
Nestlé asked to substantiate digestibility and immunity claims
In one notice, FSSAI sought scientific evidence supporting the claim that whey protein in Nestlé’s Lactogen Pro 1 infant formula powder is “easy to digest”.
The regulator requested relevant documents and supporting evidence for the claim appearing on the product’s packaging or advertising material.
In a separate notice concerning Nestlé’s Nan Excella Pro Stage 1, FSSAI questioned the statement that “5 HMOs helps support normal immune system”.
The authority raised concerns about whether the wording could imply a physiological benefit that requires specific regulatory authorisation or substantiation. It also sought evidence supporting the product’s whey protein digestibility claim.
Nestlé was asked to explain why action should not be initiated under the applicable food safety legislation and regulations.
FSSAI flags alleged social media promotion of infant formula
FSSAI has also issued notices to influencer Ira Fathima, Abbott Healthcare, Nestlé India, Nutricia International and Mead Johnson Nutrition India over the alleged promotion of infant milk substitutes through Instagram.
The matter concerns an Instagram Reel featuring a list of the “Top 5” infant formula products:
- Nan-Pro 1
- Aptamil Premium 1
- Similac Advance 1
- Enfamil A+ Stage 1
- Dexolac 1
According to the regulator, the content attributed benefits such as balanced nutrition, stronger immunity, brain development and easy digestion to the products.
Also Read: Around 100 Branded Milk and Curd Packets Found Dumped in Navi Mumbai Mangroves
FSSAI alleged that the content could contravene the Infant Milk Substitutes Act, 1992, and the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, which govern the marketing and promotion of products intended for infant feeding.
The recipients have been asked to respond within the prescribed period.
Zydus Wellness faces scrutiny over Complan claims
Separately, FSSAI issued a notice to Zydus Wellness Products Limited concerning advertising claims for Complan, a nutritional drink marketed for children.
The regulator questioned statements appearing on product packaging and online listings, including:
- “2X Faster Growth”
- “Supports Concentration and Memory”
- “Pro Immunity + 34 Vital Nutrients”
FSSAI also examined the presentation of these claims alongside images of children in packaging and promotional material.
The authority sought scientific justification for the advertised benefits, citing the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.
‘Clinically proven 2X growth’ claim questioned
Among the statements flagged by FSSAI was the claim: “GROW TALLER, FASTER. CLINICALLY PROVEN 2X GROWTH”.
The regulator also sought substantiation for the “Pro Immunity + 34 Vital Nutrients” claim, which links the product’s nutrient content with purported immunity benefits.
Another statement, “Growth Comes in 4 Flavours”, was also questioned under the advertising and claims regulations.
Zydus Wellness has been directed to show cause within the stipulated period as to why action should not be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the applicable rules and regulations.
Scientific substantiation remains central to food advertising compliance
The notices highlight regulatory scrutiny of health, nutrition and development-related claims in products marketed to infants and children.
Under India’s food advertising framework, claims must comply with applicable requirements, including conditions relating to scientific substantiation, permitted wording and the overall presentation of advertised benefits. Infant milk substitutes are also subject to specific restrictions on promotion and marketing.
For food businesses, the cases underline the importance of maintaining appropriate scientific evidence for product claims and reviewing packaging, digital listings, influencer content and other promotional material for regulatory compliance.
Notices do not constitute final findings
The notices seek explanations and supporting evidence from the companies and the influencer concerned. They do not, by themselves, establish that the claims are misleading or that the recipients have been found liable for violating the law.
Any further regulatory action will depend on the responses, supporting evidence and the authority’s subsequent assessment.
The cases place renewed attention on how infant nutrition and children’s food products are marketed, particularly when advertising refers to immunity, physical growth, digestion or cognitive development.
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