FSSAI Issues Notices to Nestlé India and Zydus Wellness: Complan, Lactogen and NAN Claims Under Scrutiny

India's food safety regulator has issued notices to Nestlé India and Zydus Wellness over allegedly misleading product claims, seeking scientific evidence to substantiate statements made on packaging and in advertisements.

The products under scrutiny include Nestlé's Lactogen Pro 1 Powder and NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, as well as Zydus Wellness's Complan nutritional drink. The regulator has questioned claims concerning easy digestion, immune support, children's growth and concentration.

Why Has FSSAI Issued Notices to Nestlé India?

In the case of Lactogen Pro 1 Powder, FSSAI questioned the claim that the product contains whey protein that is easy to digest. The regulator has asked Nestlé India to provide scientific evidence supporting the statement.

FSSAI also raised concerns over a claim on NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 stating that five human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) help support the normal immune system. According to the regulator, the wording could imply a physiological benefit that may not be permitted under the applicable regulations.

The authority also sought supporting evidence for the whey protein claim appearing on the product's packaging or advertising material.

Nestlé India said its recent communication from FSSAI reiterated points raised earlier regarding product labels and that it had already submitted a detailed response to the regulator.

Complan's '2X Faster Growth' Claim Questioned

FSSAI has separately issued a notice to Zydus Wellness Products Limited over claims made for Complan.

The regulator flagged statements including:

• “2X Faster Growth”

FSSAI has sought scientific justification for the advertised benefits and questioned whether the claims comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.

The regulator also raised concerns about the phrase “Growth Comes in 4 Flavours” in the product's promotional material.

Zydus Wellness said its product complied with applicable regulations and that it had submitted a detailed clarification to the authorities. The company maintained that its claims were supported by scientific evidence.

What Do the Notices Mean for Consumers?

The notices reflect regulatory scrutiny of health and nutrition claims made for products intended for infants and children. Such claims must meet the applicable food safety and advertising requirements and be supported by appropriate evidence where required.

However, the issuance of a notice does not, by itself, establish a final violation. The companies have been asked to provide explanations and supporting documents, after which the regulator may determine any further action.

Consumers should read product labels carefully and consult qualified healthcare professionals for advice on infant feeding and children's nutritional needs rather than relying solely on advertising claims.

Bottom line: FSSAI is seeking evidence for claims made about selected Nestlé and Complan products. The matter remains subject to the regulatory process, and the notices should not be treated as final findings against the companies.