FSSAI notices to Nestlé and Zydus over baby-food and Complan claims: what the rules say
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UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued show-cause notices to Nestlé India over two infant products and to Zydus Wellness over Complan, asking for scientific proof of claims such as ‘easy to digest’, ‘supports normal immune system’ and ‘2X Faster Growth’. The move comes as FSSAI also proposes ending the allowance for added sucrose and fructose in foods for infants up to six months.
- Regulator
- FSSAI
- Firms
- Nestlé India, Zydus Wellness
- Rules
- Advertising and Claims Regs, 2018
- Draft
- No added sugar, 0–6 months
FSSAI’s notices: what happened?
A label is a promise to a parent. When that promise uses words like ‘immunity’ or ‘growth’, the law says it must be backed by science. That is what this case is about.
- Lactogen Pro 1: the claim that its whey protein is ‘easy to digest’ must be proved (The Hindu).
- NAN Excella Pro Stage 1: ‘5 HMOs helps support normal immune system’ was seen as a barred health claim.
- Complan: ‘2X Faster Growth’, ‘Supports Concentration and Memory’ and ‘Pro Immunity+ 34 Vital Nutrients’ were found to break the 2018 claims rules.
- The firms must show cause why action should not be taken.
What is the added-sugar debate?
- The 2020 infant nutrition rules allow sucrose and fructose up to 20% of carbohydrates in foods for infants aged 0–6 months.
- FSSAI’s draft proposes to end this allowance.
- WHO advises exclusive breastfeeding for six months and no added sugars until 24 months.
- ICMR-NIN’s 2024 dietary guidelines also say children under two should avoid added sugar. The Hindu’s editorial wants the ban extended to 24 months.
What can and cannot be claimed?
| Type of claim | Example | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient content | ‘Contains whey protein’ | Allowed if true and within limits |
| Function claim | ‘Easy to digest’ | Needs scientific substantiation |
| Disease or health claim | ‘Supports immune system’ | Barred unless specifically permitted |
| Comparative claim | ‘2X Faster Growth’ | Must be proved and not misleading |
Which laws apply?
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: creates FSSAI under the Health Ministry; Section 24 bars misleading advertisements.
- FSS (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018; FSS (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
- Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods Act, 1992: restricts promotion of infant foods for children up to two years.
- Article 47: duty of the State to raise nutrition and improve public health.
What are the challenges?
- Firms cite Codex Alimentarius standards to defend sugar in infant foods.
- Banning only sucrose may lead to other sweeteners being used.
- Enforcement of the IMS Act and claims rules has been weak.
- Front-of-pack labelling is still not mandatory.
What should be done next?
- Extend the added-sugar ban to 24 months, in line with WHO and ICMR-NIN.
- Assess the full nutrient profile of finished infant foods.
- Notify mandatory, interpretive front-of-pack labels.
- Publish outcomes of show-cause notices to deter repeat claims.
What can Prelims ask on food regulation?
- FSSAI: statutory body under the FSS Act, 2006; Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- IMS Act: 1992; amended 2003.
- Codex Alimentarius: set by FAO and WHO (1963).
- HMOs: human milk oligosaccharides.
- WHO: exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
How to write about food regulation in Mains
Practice question (10 marks, 150 words): Misleading food advertising and added sugars in infant foods threaten child health. Examine India’s regulatory response. (GS-II)
- Intro: FSSAI notices to Nestlé and Zydus, Oct 2026.
- Law: FSS Act, 2018 claims rules, IMS Act.
- Science: WHO, ICMR-NIN on added sugar.
- Gaps: partial ban, weak enforcement, no FOPL.
- Conclusion: protect the first 1,000 days.
Image: An infant drinking milk from a feeding bottle. Beeki, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
How to use this in Mains
If asked: Discuss the role of regulation in tackling ultra-processed food consumption among children. (GS-II)
Quote: “Adding sugar has often been a commercial strategy, as it serves as a cheap bulking agent, improves palatability and encourages repeat purchases.”
Use it: Use it to explain why firms add sugar, then give the policy fix.
If asked: Evaluate India’s framework against misleading health claims on food. (GS-II)
Quote: “The claim was considered non-compliant with provisions prohibiting claims relating to the prevention, alleviation, treatment or cure of any disease.”
Use it: Quote FSSAI’s reasoning and link to the 2018 regulations.
Exam angle
Prelims: FSSAI, IMS Act 1992, Codex, HMOs. · Mains GS-II: regulation of food advertising; child nutrition.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is
Answer (b) & explanation
FSSAI was set up under the FSS Act, 2006, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods Act, 1992 mainly seeks to
Answer (b) & explanation
The Act restricts promotion of infant milk substitutes and feeding bottles to protect breastfeeding.
Codex Alimentarius standards are set by a commission established by
Answer (b) & explanation
The Codex Alimentarius Commission was set up by FAO and WHO in 1963.
Questions students ask about this
Why did FSSAI send notices?
For claims on infant and child nutrition products that lacked scientific proof or were barred health claims.
Which products are involved?
Lactogen Pro 1, NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 (Nestlé) and Complan (Zydus).
What is the added-sugar draft?
It would end the allowance of sucrose and fructose in foods for infants aged 0–6 months.
What do experts want?
No added sugar up to 24 months and mandatory front-of-pack labels.
Keep studying
Go deeper
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending