The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated legal proceedings against Nestlé India over alleged regulatory violations involving infant nutrition products. The action follows laboratory findings that a sample of a Nestlé follow-up formula product did not conform to prescribed biotin (Vitamin B7) requirements under Indian food safety standards.
According to FSSAI, the sample was initially tested and subsequently re-analysed by a referral laboratory, which also found the product non-compliant with the prescribed biotin levels. Based on these findings, the regulator has moved forward with legal action against the company.
In addition to the biotin-related issue, FSSAI has filed separate adjudication proceedings concerning two other infant nutrition products — NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1. The regulator alleges that promotional statements and product claims associated with these products may violate provisions governing infant nutrition products and restrictions on promotional practices.
FSSAI stated that certain claims, including references to product ingredients and digestibility benefits, could be inconsistent with the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, as well as provisions of the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992.
Nestlé India has maintained that its products comply with applicable regulations and stated that the product labels under scrutiny were supported by scientific literature and had previously received approval from the relevant expert committee. The company has submitted responses to the authorities and indicated that it will continue cooperating with the regulator.
The case highlights increasing regulatory scrutiny of food safety, labelling practices, and infant nutrition products in India. The outcome of the adjudication proceedings may provide further clarity regarding compliance expectations for manufacturers operating in the highly regulated infant food sector.