Food Safety Regulator Takes Action Over Product Labelling
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed Dabur India Limited to immediately stop selling certain food products carrying “100%” claims, stating that such labels are misleading and violate food advertising regulations.
The regulator issued a prohibition order after finding several products being marketed with claims that could not be independently verified and were likely to mislead consumers.
FSSAI Flags ‘100%’ Claims
According to FSSAI, products listed on Dabur’s website were promoted using descriptions such as “100% Natural”, “100% Pure”, “100% Purity Guaranteed”, “100% Organic” and “100% Tender Coconut Water”.
The authority said these claims violate the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, as they are ambiguous, unverifiable and capable of creating a false impression among consumers.
FSSAI said, “Food products being sold on the company’s website were found carrying misleading ‘100%’ claims such as ‘100% Natural’, ‘100% Pure’, ‘100% Purity Guaranteed’, ‘100% Organic’ and ‘100% Tender Coconut Water’. The use of the 100% claims are in contravention of the FSS (Advertising & Claims) Regulations, 2018, as they are ambiguous, unverifiable and likely to mislead consumers.”
Organic Labelling Also Under Scanner
The regulator further alleged that Dabur Himalayan Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and Dabur Organic Honey displayed the Jaivik Bharat logo without possessing a valid FSSAI organic endorsement, calling it a violation of the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017.
In addition, Dabur Hommade Coconut Milk was found carrying the claim “100% Purity”, which FSSAI said is not permitted for compound food products under existing regulations.
The authority noted that despite an earlier notice asking the company to discontinue such claims, satisfactory corrective action had not been taken.
Government Shares Food Safety Data in Parliament
Separately, the Centre informed Parliament that 2,23,808 food samples were tested during 2025-26, of which 40,023 were found to be non-compliant with prescribed standards.
The government also stated that 31,878 civil cases related to food safety violations resulted in penalties, while 1,918 criminal convictions were recorded. It clarified that the figures remain provisional and may change following laboratory analysis and court proceedings.
Awareness Campaigns Against Food Adulteration
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav informed Parliament that FSSAI has intensified efforts to combat food adulteration through awareness campaigns, rapid food testing kits, mobile food testing laboratories and educational initiatives aimed at helping consumers identify adulterated food products.
The government also revealed that 15 notices have been issued to food business operators during FY 2026-27 for alleged violations of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
