FSSAI CRACKS DOWN ON PROTEIN MARKETING CLAIMS, PUTS MAJOR BRANDS ON NOTICE

October 9, 2026

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued notices to Dr Reddy’s, Nestle Health Science, Tirupati Wellness, Flipkart, Amazon and Netmeds over products carrying what the regulator described as potentially misleading claims about protein support and health benefits.

The action concerns products marketed with claims relating to high protein content, maintenance of lean muscle mass, muscle strength, immunity support and energy metabolism. FSSAI said the claims were presented on product packaging in a manner that could mislead consumers about the actual health benefits associated with the products.

The companies have been directed to explain why regulatory action should not be initiated against them over the claims and the manner in which the products were promoted.

The notices also bring major e-commerce platforms into the regulatory scrutiny, as products carrying the disputed claims were being offered through online marketplaces. FSSAI’s action therefore covers both manufacturers or marketers and platforms through which the products reached consumers.

The regulator’s intervention comes amid increasing attention to nutritional and health-related claims made on food and wellness products. Claims concerning protein, muscle preservation and broader physiological benefits can influence consumers’ purchasing decisions, particularly as demand for nutrition and fitness products grows.

FSSAI’s latest action underscores its focus on ensuring that nutritional and health claims presented to consumers are not misleading and that product packaging accurately communicates the benefits that can legitimately be associated with the products.