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If you've been scrolling through the news lately – especially food safety news – you must have noticed one name popping up: the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The food regulator has started issuing notices to several popular Indian food brands and businesses over the past few weeks. The reason: primarily, accusations of hygiene lapses and allegedly misleading product claims.
This latest action is part of FSSAI's massive push to strengthen food and beverage safety standards and to ensure that businesses comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It spans everything from labelling issues to misleading claims to the use of substances allegedly not meeting prescribed standards.
Recently, the food regulator banned the sale of several liquor brands for allegedly using artificial flavouring substances. These include three Old Monk variants and rum and whisky brands like McDowell's, Antiquity and Royal Challenge.
Which brands have landed on the FSSAI radar?
Two months ago, FSSAI issued a notice against a KFC outlet in MVR Mall in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, after allegations about the restaurant's hygienic operations. The food regulator found that the outlet lacked correct measures in waste management, pest control, sanitation and employee hygiene.
In a similar case last year, strict action was taken against several restaurant chains in Lucknow after food samples failed safety tests due to the presence of stale ingredients, bacteria and adulterated products. Incidentally, these are some famous brands we love going to: McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Haldiram's, Burger King and Subway.
In the FMCG range, Dabur India Ltd is the latest addition to the list, and the reason is its allegedly misleading claims: '100% pure,' '100% natural,' and '100% organic.' The food regulator has directed the brand to withdraw products with such claims from the market within 15 days. This includes products like cow ghee, honey, apple cider vinegar and virgin coconut oil, among others. Dabur's now moved the Delhi High Court against this order.
In June this year, FSSAI issued a notice to Nestlé India after a social media complaint alleged that a Maggi packet contained larvae. The brand rejected the allegation, however, stating that accredited laboratory tests found no evidence. A similar case involved the food brand Open Secrets' Un-junked Dates, after insects were found in the product delivered via Flipkart Minutes. FSSAI has ordered the removal of the product from the supply chain, with measures now being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Why does this matter?
It's a timely reminder that food safety goes beyond just expiry dates. Whether you're ordering food online, picking your favourite packet of chips, or going to your favourite restaurant or the oldest ice-cream shop in the city, it's product quality that matters – check labels, check ingredient lists, and check for hygiene before stepping in.