FSSAI issues notices to Lotte India, Kubera Foods, FNP over misleading food claims
Synopsis
FSSAI has called out three consumer brands — Lotte India, Kubera Foods, and FNP — for front-of-pack claims that contradict their own ingredient lists. From 'vegetarian' Choco Pies to 'natural' buns with synthetic colours, the notices expose a systemic gap between what Indian food packaging promises and what it actually contains.
Key Takeaways
FSSAI issued show-cause notices to Lotte India Corporation , Kubera Foods , and Ferns N Petals (FNP) on 8 July 2025 over misleading claims and labelling violations.
Lotte India was flagged for a misleading '100 per cent vegetarian' claim on Choco Pie variants, non-compliant labels, and missing nutritional information on PEPERO products.
Kubera Foods labelled its cream bun '100 per cent Natural' and 'No Preservatives' while the ingredient list declared preservative INS 282 and synthetic colour INS 110 .
FNP's 'Roasted Almond Chocolate' was marketed as 'Premium Chocolate' despite containing hydrogenated vegetable fat without the mandatory declaration.
All three companies must respond within seven days or face action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 .
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Wednesday, 8 July issued show-cause notices to Lotte India Corporation Private Limited, Kubera Foods, and Ferns N Petals Private Limited (FNP) over alleged misleading claims and labelling violations across multiple food products. All three companies have been directed to submit their explanations within seven days, failing which action may be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Violations flagged against Lotte India
Lotte India Corporation faces the broadest set of allegations. The regulator found the company had used non-compliant pre-printed labels carrying its old company name without prior approval. The '100 per cent vegetarian' claim on certain Choco Pie variants was flagged as misleading.
Additionally, PEPERO Crunchy Biscuit Sticks and PEPERO Original Biscuit Sticks were found to lack nutritional information in the prescribed format. The regulator also noted that Lolly Bliss lollipops did not comply with prescribed vitamin levels under the FSS (Advertising and Claims) Regulations. Separately, FRUITZ Eclairs products were cited for carrying a name that could create a misleading impression of fruit content, with the mandatory disclaimer absent from the front of the pack.
Kubera Foods: 'Natural' claims contradict label ingredients
Kubera Foods received a notice over its 'Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple' product. The regulator observed that the front-of-pack carried claims including '100 per cent Natural' and 'No Preservatives, Colours & Flavours', even as the label itself declared the presence of preservative INS 282, synthetic food colour INS 110, and added flavouring substances.
FSSAI said the terms 'Pure', 'Fresh', and 'Natural' as used on the product violated provisions governing such claims under the FSS (Advertising and Claims) Regulations. This type of front-of-pack versus ingredient-list contradiction has been a recurring compliance concern flagged by the regulator across the packaged food industry.
FNP's 'Premium Chocolate' under scrutiny
Ferns N Petals was served a notice over its 'Roasted Almond Chocolate' product, which was marketed as 'Premium Chocolate' despite reportedly containing hydrogenated vegetable fat. The product also lacked the mandatory declaration required for chocolates that contain vegetable fat in addition to cocoa butter.
The regulator further observed that the product label omitted Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) values from the nutritional information panel and failed to disclose the percentage of almonds in the ingredient list, even though almonds were prominently featured on the packaging.
Regulatory context and next steps
FSSAI announced the notices via a post on social media platform X, signalling a continued push to make enforcement actions publicly visible. The regulator has given all three companies a seven-day window to respond. Non-compliance could trigger proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which carries penalties ranging from fines to product recalls and licence suspension.
This comes amid a broader FSSAI drive to tighten front-of-pack labelling norms, with the regulator having proposed mandatory warning labels on high-fat, sugar, and salt products. The notices to three prominent consumer-facing brands underscore that enforcement is moving beyond small regional players to well-known national and multinational names.
Point of View
INS 282 on the back. That is not a labelling oversight; it is a direct contradiction. The broader question is whether seven-day show-cause windows translate into meaningful penalties or quietly dissolve into paperwork. FSSAI's credibility on its proposed high-fat, sugar, and salt warning labels depends on how firmly it follows through here.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has FSSAI issued notices to Lotte India, Kubera Foods, and FNP?
FSSAI issued the notices over alleged misleading front-of-pack claims and labelling violations on specific food products sold by each company. The regulator found discrepancies between marketing claims and actual ingredient declarations, as well as missing mandatory disclosures required under the FSS (Advertising and Claims) Regulations.
What specific violations were found on Lotte India's products?
Lotte India was flagged for using pre-printed labels with its old company name without approval, a potentially misleading '100 per cent vegetarian' claim on Choco Pie variants, missing nutritional information on PEPERO Biscuit Sticks, non-compliant vitamin levels in Lolly Bliss lollipops, and a misleading 'FRUITZ' name on Eclairs that contain no fruit.
What is the problem with Kubera Foods' cream bun labelling?
Kubera Foods' 'Soft and Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple' carried front-of-pack claims of '100 per cent Natural' and 'No Preservatives, Colours & Flavours', while the ingredient list on the same label declared preservative INS 282, synthetic food colour INS 110, and added flavouring substances — a direct contradiction flagged by FSSAI.
What action can FSSAI take if the companies do not respond?
If the companies fail to submit satisfactory explanations within seven days, FSSAI can initiate action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Penalties under the Act can include fines, product recalls, and suspension or cancellation of food business licences.
What were the labelling issues found with FNP's Roasted Almond Chocolate?
FNP's product was marketed as 'Premium Chocolate' despite containing hydrogenated vegetable fat, without the mandatory declaration required for chocolates that include vegetable fat alongside cocoa butter. The label also omitted RDA values from the nutritional panel and did not disclose the percentage of almonds despite their prominent display on the packaging.
