The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive directing Food Business Operators (FBOs) to remove any claims of ‘100% fruit juice’ from labels and ads for reconstituted fruit juices. The regulatory agency detected misleading marketing tactics, prompting this measure.
Immediate compliance is required.
According to the FSSAI, some FBOs have mislabeled various types of reconstituted fruit juices as ‘100% fruit juice’. These claims are especially misleading when the juice’s major constituent is water and the principal fruit component is only present in small amounts. The regulator stressed that these activities are incompatible with the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, which do not provide provisions for making ‘100%’ claims.
Deadline for packaging materials
FBOs have been told to remove these assertions from labels and ads immediately. In addition, they must use up all pre-printed packaging materials by September 1, 2024. This deadline gives businesses a grace period to update their packaging and marketing materials to comply with the new guideline.
Ensure Accurate labeling
The FSSAI order emphasizes the need of correct labeling and customer transparency. The Food Safety and Standards (Food items Standards & Food Additives) Regulation, 2011, requires items to be labeled in compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. If a juice is reconstituted from concentrate, it must be explicitly stated on the ingredient list. Furthermore, if the added nutritive sweeteners surpass 15 g/kg, the product must be labeled as’sweetened juice’.
commitment to public health.
The FSSAI’s action is intended to protect public health by ensuring that customers receive accurate information about the products they buy. By implementing these criteria, the agency hopes to prevent deceptive claims that confuse consumers about the genuine contents of fruit juices.
In an official statement, the FSSAI reaffirmed its commitment to regulating and supervising food safety standards throughout India. This instruction is part of a larger effort to enhance transparency and integrity in the food industry, ensuring that all food business operators follow existing standards.
The FSSAI guideline is a big step toward improving food safety and customer trust in the industry. As companies migrate to new labeling procedures, customers may expect more accurate information and claims about the fruit juices they consume.
